The world's best curlers will be coming to London next year in what is sure to be a preview of the teams that will be chasing gold at the upcoming Winter Olympics.
London has been tapped to host the 2018 World Financial Group Continental Cup from January 11 to January 14 at the Sports Centre at Western Fair District. The four-day event will give curling fans an advance look at many of the teams that will be competing at the Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, South Korea.
“Having been a part of many past successful events in my hometown of London, I’m very excited to see our city get another chance to host an elite Season of Champions event,” said Peter Inch, chair of Curling Canada’s Board of Governors. “The World Financial Group Continental Cup gives fans a wonderful opportunity to see the world’s best men’s and women’s players in one exciting event under one roof, and I know London is going to put on a great show for the players and fans alike.”
Curling’s version of the Ryder Cup is returning to Canada for the first time since the 2015 event in Calgary. It pits Team North America against Team World in three forms of competition; traditional team games, mixed doubles and skins games. There are point values assigned to each match, with a total of 60 points available, meaning the first side to hit 30.5 points takes the Continental Cup.
"It is always an honour when our city can host prestigious events and welcome premier level athletes from around the world to London,” said London-Fanshawe MPP Teresa Armstrong. “Events such as this raise the profile of our city as a destination for athletes and spectators alike. This tournament will be a welcome addition to our community’s reputation for hosting successful high-profile sporting events. The benefit to our community and local economy will be strongly felt, and I know our city will take great pride in being a welcoming host.”
Team North America will feature Canada’s Winter Olympics-bound men’s and women’s teams, which will be decided at the 2017 Tim Hortons Roar of the Rings December 2 to 10 in Ottawa. Captains and coaches for both Team North America and Team World will be announced later this year.
Team North America has won five straight, including the 2017 event last month in Las Vegas.
This is the third time in recent years that London has played host to curling greats. The 2011 Tim Hortons Brier and the 2006 Scotties Tournament of Hearts were held at Budweiser Gardens.