Estevan volunteers proud to host youth provincials curling tournament

Estevan’s curling community is proud to be hosting this year’s youth provincial curling tournament.

After putting a bid in over a year ago to host the CurlSask U-18 Provincials for men and women, volunteers are eager to welcome the next generation of curlers from Dec. 29-30.

“It’s a vibrant community, I’ll tell you that when we run our curling events we have the best volunteers in southeast Saskatchewan,” expressed Helen Fornwald, chairperson of the committee for CurlSask U18 Provincials.

“They just come full force with us, they’re dedicated, committed. They just love the sport so we get quite the number of spectators.”

Twenty teams consisting of both young men and women are playing in the tournament, competing for a spot to represent the province at nationals.

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Only one team from the 14 women’s teams participating in the tournament will head to the 2026 Canadian Under-18 Curling Championships, in addition to the top two men’s teams.

Fornwald said it has been a few years since Estevan has ran its last major curling event.

“Being able to showcase our facility, our awesome ice, and just the hospitality that our volunteers give out to everyone that walks through those doors from our athletes, coaches and managers, it’s pretty special because we built some really great relationships,” she said.

“We’re so grateful for all the support that we get from our sponsors to our fans and to the parents that dedicate their time to travel around with the youth.”

Held at the Estevan Curling Club, the semi-final will take place at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, followed by the gold medal game at 5 p.m.

Canada’s U-18 curling championship will take place in Timmins, Ont. from Feb. 8 to 15.