The top male and female curlers in the world will be rockin’ the Queens Place Emera Centre in Liverpool next February, and the host society hopes to sweep them away when they welcome them to their house for the World Junior Curling Championships (WJCC).
While not all teams have yet to be determined, Canada, the United States, Scotland, Korea, Russia, Switzerland and Sweden are confirmed. The balance of teams will be set in January 2019 at the World Junior B Championships in Lohja, Finland.
Announced as the host venue last year, the Liverpool Host Society has launched its Volunteer Program for WJCC, which includes a collector’s pin and the much anticipated official volunteer jacket for the championships. Society chair Greg Thorbourne says the championship volunteer uniform jacket, specially designed by Emma Miskew of Canada’s Team Holman, is destined to be a much sought-after keepsake featuring not only iconic Liverpool, but Nova Scotia as well.
“The design incorporates the Maple Leaf for Canada; Nova Scotia is signified by the presence of the provincial tartan, while Liverpool takes centre stage with the presence of Fort Point Lighthouse, which has been a cornerstone in all our promotional materials,” says Thorbourne. The accompanying volunteer lapel pin also reflects the official branding designed for the event.
The Liverpool Host Society has also launched a progressive and creative sponsorship campaign, which is attracting a growing list of sponsors. Leading the way are J&W Murphy Foundation and Mersey Seafoods Limited as the presenting sponsor.
“We are proud to support our community and be a part of this event,” said Mike Murphy, spokesman for the Murphy family, in a press release. “For us, this is a unique opportunity to help promote Liverpool on a global stage. We are fortunate to have a facility such as Queens Place, enabling us to attract a world class event like this and showcasing our community at the same time. Our thanks to those whose hard work and support has made this event a reality.”
Joining the list of supporters for the Worlds include Goldline as the official volunteer uniform and merchandise partner, the McKiel Family who are owners of Oscar Cafe & Espresso Bar, Scotiabank, Belliveau Veinotte Inc. along with host properties, White Point Beach Resort, Best Western Liverpool Plus, Lane’s Privateer Inn and the Quarterdeck. Ambassatours, Tim Hortons, Culligan Water, MCT Insurance and Michelin. Rounding out the list is Brady Home Building Centre who signed on to sponsor the Youth Volunteer Program.
“I have no doubt that Liverpool will rock the Worlds,” said Stew Horton of Brady Home Building Centre. “As passionate believers in our community, sponsoring the Youth Volunteer Program is a perfect fit for us. Annually, we contribute to initiatives that support and enable youth involvement in sport. Youth in our community will be inspired by the Worlds to pursue their dreams as well.”
The Canadian government, the Nova Scotia government and the Region of Queens are also supporting the event.
The official website for the 2019 World Junior Curling Championships includes links to the volunteer registration forms and the official promotional video, Welcome to Our House. For details visit www.worldcurling.org/wjcc2019 and follow along socially on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
The World Junior Curling Championships were last held in Canada 10 years ago in Vancouver, B.C. They are scheduled for Feb. 16 to 23, 2019 in Liverpool.
