World Women’s Curling Championship in Prince George now among many cancelled sporting events

The World Curling Federation has cancelled the World Women’s Curling Championship 2020 due to the ongoing spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

The event was set to take place between March 14 to 22 in Prince George, with 13 Members Associations competing for the world title and coveted Olympic Qualification Points for the Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022.

A release said that there is also an ongoing evaluation into other events set to take place in 2020, including the World Mixed Doubles and World Senior Championships in Kelowna.

“With the event now not taking place the World Curling Federation will consider the implications on Olympic qualification and discuss potential changes that will need to be considered with all the relevant stakeholders,” said the release from the federation.

This decision comes following a recommendation from British Columbia’s Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry.

The federation added that the decision also took into consideration other major sporting events that have been cancelled in the past 24 hours, and various national travel restrictions that are coming into force around the world.

“It’s with regret we’re announcing it is no longer possible to run this world championship,” Kate Caithness, World Curling Federation President.

“However, the safety of our athletes, officials, staff and supporters is paramount which we cannot guarantee with the fast-evolving nature of this worldwide situation.”

For those who have already purchased tickets for the event refunds will be made available at the original point of purchase after March 23. If tickets were purchased online through ticketsnorth.ca refunds will be processed automatically.