World Curling has taken a significant step in its internal structure by confirming a new round of appointments to its commissions, following a recent call for nominations. The decision, announced this Monday, 8 December, reflects not only an organizational update but also a reaffirmation of the sport’s global commitment to stronger governance, diversity, and sustainability. For many of those selected, this recognition marks the beginning of a stage where individual experience and a human-centered perspective play a decisive role in the sport’s evolution.
As the decisions adopted by the Board of Directors are reviewed, it becomes evident that the newly formed or renewed commissions represent an international mosaic that gives voice to diverse realities. From the technical and financial spheres to the most sensitive areas of institutional development, each appointment reveals trajectories, contexts, and perspectives that converge in the challenge of strengthening curling in a world that is constantly changing. This shift also expands the sport’s geographic presence, incorporating figures from regions with emerging histories within the curling ecosystem.
Governance, Finance and Technical: experience for a structure in evolution
The Governance Commission has added Ray Baker (Canada), who will contribute an institutional perspective that becomes essential in a sport that continues to grow competitively and administratively. Meanwhile, the Finance Commission welcomed Gyorgy Nagy (Hungary) and Gary Coombs (Wales), two profiles that will reinforce the transparency, planning, and financial stability required to support both major events and development programmes.
In parallel, the Technical Commission confirmed the continuity of Lajos Belleli (Qatar), a familiar figure within the structure, and welcomed Remy St Pierre (Canada) and Wang Bingyu (China). Each arrives with a trajectory marked by on-ice work and deep performance knowledge, bringing layers of experience that help understand curling through its most competitive and human dimension. This technical body thus becomes a meeting point between tradition, renewal, and specialised analysis.
Diversity, Inclusion and Sustainability: new spaces for new voices
The newly formalised Commission on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion consolidated seven appointments that reflect the global reach of contemporary curling. Simon Barrick (Canada), Elton Oliveira Silva (Brazil), Wang Yiwa (China), PN Raju (India), Eoin McCrossan (Ireland), Heather Mair (Canada) and Harold Woods III (Nigeria) form a group that represents very diverse geographies, cultures, and trajectories. Each of them will bring a particular sensitivity to advancing issues that go beyond competition, touching on identity, equal opportunities, and genuine representation within the sport.
Meanwhile, the Sustainability Commission —also recently elevated to full commission status— gathered profiles with a deep understanding of environmental impact and curling’s responsible future. Lauri Ikavalko (Finland), Vera Kalocsai-van Dorp (Hungary), Hoon Kim (Korea), Heather Mair (Canada) and Suwanna Silpa-archa (Thailand) form a space where climate awareness, regional needs, and logistical challenges intersect. Their contributions will help guide international curling toward more sustainable practices, an increasingly essential element in the global sporting landscape.
