At the Women in Curling Summits, Connection is as Powerful as Competition
By Jolene Latimer
Linda Bolton stood at the arrival gate of Kelowna International Airport, eagerly scanning every new face coming through the sliding doors. A friend and curling colleague nudged her and whispered,
“You have to breathe.”Bolton laughed, realizing she was craning her neck like a fan but couldn’t help it.
Reigning world curling champion Rachel Homan had just landed in the Okanagan, arriving specifically to attend the British Columbia Women in Curling Summit held in Kamloops that September. Bolton had been working hard toward this event for months.
“When I picked up Rachel from the airport and saw her walking toward us, I knew the hard work was going to be worth it,” Bolton said.
“We’re actually having Rachel Homan at our club. What a treat that will be for all the people.”
The two-hour drive back to Kamloops was filled with conversation about family, curling preparation, and balancing both.
Bolton shared,
“She talked a lot about her family and how devoted they are to backing her. It was really cool.”
Bolton had spent months preparing for the Women in Curling Summit in Kamloops — part of Curling Canada’s national initiative to promote women’s leadership and participation in curling.
Author’s summary: The Women in Curling Summit showcases how building connections and support, alongside competition, strengthens women’s roles in curling and inspires the community.