At the Women in Curling Summits, Connection Is as Powerful as Competition
Linda Bolton waited at the arrival gate of Kelowna International Airport, watching each traveler emerge through the sliding doors. Her friend and curling colleague quietly reminded her to breathe, which made Bolton laugh. She knew her excitement was obvious.
World curling champion Rachel Homan had just landed in the Okanagan, coming to attend the event Bolton had spent months preparing — the British Columbia Women in Curling Summit, hosted in Kamloops this September.
“When I picked up Rachel from the airport and I saw her walking toward us, that was the time when I knew the hard work was going to be worth it,” Bolton said. “I was thinking: We’re actually having Rachel Homan at our club. What a treat that will be for all the people.”
The two-hour drive to Kamloops was filled with conversation about family, training, and finding balance in life and sport.
“She talked a lot about her family and how devoted they are to backing her,” Bolton said. “It was really cool.”
Bolton’s months of preparation paid off as the summit — part of Curling Canada’s initiative to strengthen women’s leadership and involvement in curling — brought together athletes, coaches, and community leaders across the region.
Author’s Summary
The Women in Curling Summit in Kamloops highlighted both the personal bonds and leadership that empower women in the curling community.