draw four

Next year's Ford World Women's Curling Championship in Swift Current is already getting a lot of response from people wanting to volunteer at the event.

Online registration for the event, set for March 19th to 27th, 2016 at the Credit Union iplex, opened on March 11th.

"We are almost at half of our capacity of all the volunteers we need for the event next year," said Kelly Schafer, Vice-Chair of Facilities for the 2016 Ford Worlds Host Committee. "It's interesting that as soon as we knew that Swift Current was having the Worlds, we've had lots of interest and excitement around the event... the site has only been launched in the last couple of weeks, and we've been really lucky that people have just jumped on board straight away."

Schafer adds they are overwhelmed by the initial response, adding a number of people who helped out with the 2010 event have jumped back on board for next year.

"Certainly there has been a retention from last time around," she added. "The hype and success of the championship last time has created this vibe that more people want to be involved this time around, so it's great to welcome old and new people."

Prospective volunteers must be 19 years of age or older as of January 1st, 2016. There is also a $100 registration fee, which provides a number of benefits including official volunteer clothing, an accreditation badge, access to the Patch for all nine days of competition, and invitation to the Volunteer Appreciation Party.

Online registration continues at Curling Canada's website, and there will also be two in-person registration dates to help volunteers with sign-up. They will be held Wednesday afternoon from 2:00pm to 4:00pm at the Swift Current Public Library and Art Gallery of Swift Current (411 Herbert St E), and Thursday evening from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at Swift Current Mall near Centre Court.

Ticket packages for the 2016 Ford Worlds are also available online, at the Stable in the Credit Union iplex, or by calling 306-773-1509.