Curling Ontario is delighted to announce a new partnership with Best Western & Hotels, marking the beginning of a three-year collaboration that will enhance the curling experience across the province. As the title sponsor of the newly established Best Western Challenge, Best Western will play a pivotal role in elevating this exciting competition, bringing together athletes and fans while solidifying its commitment to the growth of the sport in Ontario.

About the Best Western Challenge

The Best Western Challenge is an exciting new Provincial competition created in direct response to the feedback we’ve received from curlers and club representatives over the last 12 to 18 months. We’ve listened to your voices, and this innovative event is designed to boost participation in curling by offering a diverse competition that welcomes curlers of all skill levels, ages, genders, and abilities. This event aims to encourage those who may not have previously taken part in Provincial Championships. To further support participation, Curling Ontario is implementing a tiered entry fee structure, which lowers the financial barrier for those entering the qualifiers.

To ensure inclusivity and accommodate various skill levels, the event will feature two tiers:

• Tier One: Only two players per team can have played on a team that has made the playoffs in a provincial championship that leads to a national championship, excluding the Club Championships, within the last three years.
• Tier Two: Available to teams with no players who have participated in a Provincial Championship leading to a national championship.

We are thrilled to announce that the inaugural qualifiers for the Best Western Challenge will take place from February 21-23, 2025, leading up to the Provincial playdowns scheduled for March 21-23, 2025.

This event represents a collaborative effort that has been shaped by your insights through surveys and our advisory group. By focusing on your feedback, we have ensured that the Best Western Challenge meets the needs of our curling community. Together, we’re excited to resurrect the spirit of past events like the Colts and Trophy competitions while promoting a more inclusive future for curling in Ontario.

“We are thrilled to welcome Best Western as the title sponsor for our Best Western Challenge,” said Matt Allen, Executive Director of Curling Ontario. “Their commitment to providing exceptional hospitality aligns perfectly with our mission to deliver top-notch events for our participants.”

Enhancing the Experience

The Best Western Challenge is designed to foster both competitive spirit and social engagement among participants. Key features include:

• An earlier athlete banquet to ensure all teams can attend.
• Opportunities for teams to bring guests to enhance the social environment.
• Organized social events that will not conflict with the game schedule, ensuring maximum participation.
• Activities for families and partners away from the rink
• Lounge activities like board games and card games to promote camaraderie.

This innovative partnership between Curling Ontario and Best Western underscores a shared commitment to excellence, hospitality, and community engagement. By joining forces, the two organizations aim to enhance the overall experience for participants, spectators, and stakeholders within Ontario’s vibrant curling community.  We are excited to empower mid-level curlers and encourage their active participation in sport and competition.

For more information about Curling Ontario and its upcoming events, please visit www.curlingontario.ca. To learn more about Best Western and its hospitality offerings, visit www.bestwesternontario.com/curling.

About Curling Ontario

Curling Ontario, along with the Northern Ontario Curling Association (NOCA) and the Ontario Curling Council, collectively serves as the provincial governing body for the sport of curling in Ontario. Together, we aspire to set the standard of excellence for sport development and participation, and we are committed to inspiring and energizing Ontarians to engage in curling.

About Best Western

Best Western International, Inc. is a global leader in the hospitality industry, known for delivering exceptional service and quality accommodations for travelers around the world. With a portfolio that includes more than 4,700 hotels in over 100 countries, Best Western offers a wide range of options to meet the diverse needs of guests, from business travelers to families on vacation.

Dedicated to providing a warm and welcoming experience, Best Western’s properties are committed to ensuring guest satisfaction through modern amenities, comfortable rooms, and personalized service. As a proud supporter of local communities and events, Best Western is committed to fostering relationships that promote sporting activities and community engagement. This partnership with CurlON for the Best Western Challenge exemplifies their dedication to the sport of curling, enhancing the overall experience for participants while providing them with premier hospitality and accommodations.

Media Contact:

Kerri Lott
Communications & Brand Coordinator
Curling Ontario
kerri@curlingontario.ca