The B.C. U18 Curling Championships, originally set for March 17-22 at the Parksville Curling Club, have been postponed until September due to serious concerns about the spread of COVID-19.
“We are disappointed but the safety and health of the players, volunteers, fans and employees is way more important right now,” said club president, Penny Shantz.
“This decision will ease the burden on health concerns at the event and travel plans. We can plan to open in September with the U18 event and are hopeful the health concerns are more at ease.”
READ MORE: Parksville Curling Club to host U18 bonspiel
CurlBC, the governing body of the sport here in the province, has taken guidance from the province and several health authorities, along with the federal government pertaining to precautions.
Other events that will be postponed for now include the BC Club Challenge, presented by Original 16, at Royal City and the AMJ Campbell BC Mixed in Abbotsford.
“First and foremost is the safety of the community and the athletes,” said Curl BC CEO Scott Braley. “We are hoping to reschedule these provincial events and will have further information to share as soon as it is available. We know athletes, fans and volunteers have been hard at work for months in preparation for these events so we understand that there will be disappointment. We are especially sorry for the community in Prince George who would have been hosting a world curling championship for the first time in their history. Please rest assured that we are doing everything we can to keep everyone informed and to avoid any unnecessary health and safety risks.”
Curling Canada has also announced the postponement of the 2020 Canada Inns Canadian Mixed Doubles Curling Championship, Everest Canadian Senior Curling Championships and Canadian Wheelchair Curling Championship.
The World Curling Federation has also made the decision to cancel the Women’s World Curling Championship in Prince George.
Curling Canada has said the 2020 U18 Canadian Curling Championships, in Sudbury, Ont., from April 20-25, will be re-evaluated in the coming days.