Curling: World Juniors coup for Perth

May 21 2010 by Gordon Bannerman, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

THE Royal Caledonian Curling Club and the World Curling Federation (WCF) yesterday announced that Perth will host the 2011 World Junior Curling Championships from March 5-13.

The World Juniors will return to the Dewars Centre where, 15 years ago Tom Brewster Jr won the 1995 title in front of his home crowd with a 6-3 win over his German opponents.

It’s a massive sporting coup for the Fair City.

“The World Curling Federation is delighted to confirm that Perth will host the World Junior Curling Championships in 2011,” said World Curling Federation president, Kate Caithness.

“The city of Perth has shown great commitment over the years to staging first class international curling events.

“The World Juniors in 2011 are set to be no exception with the great synergy already in place between the WCF’s event partners: The Royal Caledonian Curling Club, Perth and Kinross Council, Event Scotland and Dewars Centre.”

Paul Bush, chief operating officer at EventScotland, the national events agency, said: “Securing the World Junior Curling Championships for Perth is fantastic news for Scotland and will ensure the country’s reputation as a destination for the sport continues to flourish.

“Last year Aberdeen hosted the European Curling Championships, an event which attracted a world class field, thousands of spectators and a substantial economic impact.

“Hosting the Juniors will raise awareness of the sport among young people and encourage participation to ensure that Scotland retains its position on the leader board in the sport for years to come.

“The Juniors will also generate economic impact in Perth as the area welcomes competitors from all over the world and their families and support teams.”

Scottish Junior curling has captured several medals at World Junior Championships in recent years with Ally Fraser’s junior men’s team claiming the silver medal at the 2010 World Juniors in Flims, Switzerland, and Perthshire’s Eve Muirhead claiming three consecutive World titles in 2007, 2008 and 2009.

Councillor Callum Gillies, chairman of Perth Common Good Fund, added: “We are delighted that Perth and Kinross Council and the Perth Common Good Fund are able to support the World Junior Curling Championships coming to Perth.

“Perth and Kinross is recognised as a major centre for the sport and so it is entirely fitting that we should play host to such a prestigious tournament.

“An event of this nature is not just important for enhancing the profile of Perth and Kinross but it will also provide a welcome economic boost by attracting participants, their supporters and families at a quieter time of the year”.

Ten Junior Women’s and Junior Men’s teams will travel from all over the globe to compete in the World Junior Championships.

“We at Dewars are delighted to have been chosen as venue to host the World Junior Curling Championships,” declared Bill Duncan, chairman of Dewars Centre in Perth.

“As chairman of the host committee, I am committed to making sure that the 20 teams of competitors and coaches, plus the relatives and spectators attending these championships have a wonderful 10 days in Perth, with great curling and fellowship resulting in lifelong friendships.”