It's an Olympic year, but also an election year for the international winter curling federations. Following the FIS, IBSF, FIL, and ISU elections in the spring, World Curling held its Annual General Meeting this weekend in Bratislava. Its members opted for continuity, voting overwhelmingly for Beau Welling, who was re-elected president with 75% of the vote against Australian Hugh Millikin. The American will therefore continue in a second termculminating in the 2030 French Alps Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games.
"Curling has reached maturity."
His first term was marked by the creation of a new visual identity, the launch of a streaming platform, and the establishment of working groups on sustainable development and on diversity, equity, and inclusion. In his manifesto, he also boasts of having strengthened the voice of athletes, improved transparency and member engagement, developed commercial opportunities, and established strong relationships within the Olympic Movement.
« Having the confidence of the World Curling family to continue for four more years really means a lot to me."The president reacted before the Assembly." It's also a responsibility, but I'm ready to take it on. I look forward to working with everyone to capitalize on the visibility brought about by the success of the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. I feel that curling has reached maturity and that we need to take a major leap forward in the sport's development to spread our mission and values around the world. »
He cited five priority areas: strengthening World Curling's financial stability, optimizing investments in development (by adapting support for members and better pooling and mobilizing resources), improving access to the sport (by strategically increasing opportunities to play curling), innovating at events, and strengthening the IF within the IOC ecosystem. Elections will soon be held by other international federations: the International Biathlon Union will vote at its Congress from September 17 to 20 in Berchtesgaden, Germany, while the International Ice Hockey Federation will hold its elections on October 2 in Tenerife, Spain.
