At the Women in Curling Summits, Connection Is as Powerful as Competition
By Jolene Latimer
Warm Arrival in Kelowna
Linda Bolton waited eagerly at the Kelowna International Airport arrival gate, watching every new face that appeared through the sliding doors. Her friend gently reminded her, “You have to breathe.” Bolton chuckled, knowing she was watching like a devoted fan. The reason for her excitement was the arrival of reigning world curling champion Rachel Homan, who came specifically to attend the British Columbia Women in Curling Summit held in Kamloops that 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,” said Bolton. “I was thinking: We’re actually having Rachel Homan at our club. What a treat that will be for all the people.”
Journey to Kamloops
The two-hour drive back to Kamloops was filled with conversations about family, curling preparation, and the balance between both.
“She talked a lot about her family and how devoted they are to backing her,” Bolton shared. “It was really cool.”
Event Preparation and Purpose
Bolton had spent months preparing for the Women in Curling Summit in Kamloops, which is part of Curling Canada’s national initiative to advance women’s leadership and participation in curling.
The event aimed to inspire and connect women engaged in curling, emphasizing that building relationships is as essential as the sport itself.
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