Curling Canada’s CEO, Nolan Thiessen, aims to spark fresh perspectives and discussions on the sport’s future. With the beginning of a new Olympic cycle, a substantial $755 million investment by the government in high-performance sports over the next five years, and the recent release of the Future of Sport in Canada Commission report, Thiessen emphasized the need for strategic thinking.
Thiessen highlighted the importance of a collective effort to increase participation in curling, enhance performance, and ultimately achieve success on the international stage. He stressed the significance of adopting a systemic approach rather than focusing solely on outcomes to drive progress within the sport.
In response to these opportunities, Curling Canada has initiated the “Future of Canadian Curling” campaign, which outlines a comprehensive seven-point plan for various stakeholders, including curlers, clubs, athletes, coaches, associations, government, sponsors, and the organization itself. Thiessen plans to share insights on potential transformations for curling on the organization’s website in the coming months.
Emphasizing the need for unity and a common purpose, Thiessen referenced the challenges identified in the Future of Sport Commission report, such as fragmentation and a lack of direction in the sport. By aligning goals and defining success collectively, he believes that minor adjustments in mindset can lead to shared achievements and a clear vision for the future.
Thiessen also underscored the importance of creating memorable experiences for individuals involved in curling, emphasizing that positive initial interactions and consistent quality experiences are key to retaining participants. While acknowledging limitations in facility upgrades due to funding constraints, he highlighted the potential for strategic coaching and management practices to transform curling clubs into forward-thinking entities focused on long-term sustainability and growth.
