By Aaron Mahoney (@Mahones93 on Twitter)

Curling Alberta to oversee the future of curlers in the province after amalgamation

Jul 3, 2018 | 2:26 PM

ALBERTA – The four existing governing bodies for curling in Alberta, the Alberta Curling Federation, the Northern Alberta Curling Association, the Southern Alberta Curling Association, and the Peace Curling Association have been reborn as one organization, now known as Curling Alberta.

The decision became official when all four organizations voted unanimously in favour of the amalgamation at the ACF Annual General Meeting on June 23.

Curtis Fairhurst, who will become the first president of the new organization, believes this was the fourth attempt to amalgamate for the four associations.

“Everyone involved has put in a tremendous amount of effort, and the whole curling community should be proud of this accomplishment,” Fairhurst added.

This latest effort began in 2015 when a volunteer committee was jointly established by the four organizations to investigate and recommend the establishment of one governing body of curling in Alberta.

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President of the Southern Alberta Curling Association, Murray Adams, says there are many benefits of a single body.

“We look forward not only to capitalizing on increased operational efficiencies, but to speak with a unified voice, and to providing consistent and better services and support to our stakeholders.”

A release states the new board is awaiting incorporation to officially assume governing authority, but it’s already hard at work to prepare for the future.

“We’re focusing our efforts on creating an organization that will be active at a community level and accessible to the members,” Fairhurst continued. “Developing a clear and transparent strategic plan will allow us to build capacity to better support curlers of all ages and abilities.”

Brenda Asmussen, the ACF’s current President, also described her hope to inspire a new era of innovation while protecting our unique Alberta culture.

“This is a momentous and exciting time for the future of curling in this province. We have a great strength in the foundation laid by our predecessors and the partnerships fostered these past few years are strong and unified,” Asmussen said, adding they’re respectful and proud of each other’s organizations and contributions to the rich history of curling in Alberta.

Curling Alberta is planning to mark this historic union and to properly honour the histories of the four amalgamated organizations this fall.

A new brand and logo will be announced in the near future.