World Women's Curling Leaves Another Indelible Mark on Swift Current

With the final rock thrown, the 2016 Ford World Women's Curling Championship in Swift Current was a success.

The Championship, which ran March 18-27 welcomed teams from 12 countries to Swift Current, with all involved hoping to recreate the incredible atmosphere that lingered for months after the 2010 games.

The festivities and fun all began the day before opening ceremonies with a donation from the Sandra Schmirler Foundation to the Dr. Noble Irwin Regional Healthcare Foundation for nearly $50,000.

The Sandra Schmirler Foundation pledges to help buy life saving equipment for premature babies and those critically ill, with $48,300 to be put towards the Women's and Children's ward at the Cypress Regional Hospital.

L-R Clay Thompson, Executive Director, Dr. Irwin Foundation, Carol Wells and Racquel Roche, Women's and Children's department, and Robin Wilson, Leadership Director at the Sandra Schmirler Foundation.

The Sandra Schmirler Foundation Telethon occurs annually on the first Sunday of the Scotties Tournament of Hearts. It was held Februrary 21st this year.

Opening ceremonies commenced the following day, with Swift Current Mayor Jerrod Schafer and wife Kelly, Vice Chair of Facilities each addressing the crowd.

Kelly Schafer, nee Wood, played third for Team Scotland, skipped by Eve Muirhead, in the 2010 World Women’s Curling Championship. They took home silver.

Throughout events the community met notable attendees including an avid curling pin collector, dedicated fans from Switzerland and a couple who have attended 32 consecutive curling championship events.

The Green Braes performed both the opening and closing ceremonies.

Total attendances numbers for the Championship stand at 52,138 and not including the tiebreaker game added from 2010, 2016 numbers have exceeded expectations.

In a role reversal from athlete to organizer, Kelly Schafer served as Vice Chair of Facilities this year for the games.

"People have built on the legacy that was there in 2010 and the experience was great then and people wanted to be part of it this time. Those are great numbers for some people that have never seen curling but come and enjoy it as a community and maybe visit Swift Current for the first time, we're really pleased by how it has all turned out."

Premier Wall standing alongside Mayor Jerrod Schafer and other Curling Canada officials at Sunday's closing ceremonies. Neither spoke at the event.

Kelly Schafer thanking the crowd for their part in the Championship.

Schafer reports positive feedback from teams and guests alike, with volunteers always said to have smiles on their faces and projecting Swift Current warmth to all that needed assistance.

"A huge thank you to the community, fans and volunteers who have made it a success. Even to the sponsors who have gone above and beyond the financial dollar to ensure success and curling really does touch the heart of many around the world and it is great to see so many new memories being created here."

Teams and volunteers waiting for the closing ceremonies to begin.

A highlight from 2010 was The Patch, and 2016 proved to be no different.

Seven bands spanning all genres took to the Patch stage for an audience of at least 1,000 per night, with guests "spoilt by entertainment" according to Patch organizer Jeff Chambers.

"They just cannot believe what we go through here in little Swift Current. It absolutely amazes them, even though last time we impressed them and exceeded sales, this time they forecasted much higher and I know we exceeded expectations once again."

The games are expected to bring $10-$12 million dollars to Swift Current.