---

Bratislava – Congress, Day 2

It is evident from some of the comments that there is a certain level of dissatisfaction with current developments in several areas that are important for achieving and maintaining curling’s rightful place among other sports. This is not limited to the previously mentioned financial issues; there is also uncertainty surrounding the format of competitions organized by the World Curling Federation, policiesthe selection of championship organizers, the competition calendar, and, in fact, the development of rules governing less common game or competition situations and scenarios. Perhaps the time has come for a more radical revision of the strategic plan, which could include a more precise definition of target groups, marketing tools tailored to these groups, technical improvements befitting the first quarter of the twenty-first century, and more. Many of the questions raised from the floor were very good and revealed gaps in the current system. Questions came from women from the Nordic countries, an Australian, a Czech, as well as a Swiss and a Norwegian. The Slovak organizers did a good job. The Crowne Plaza Bratislava hotel was more than adequate; perhaps only the seating arrangements for some sessions could have been more practical. Meetings with Maria Prytz, Stewart Dryburgh, Keith Wendorf, as well as Hugh Millikin, Graham Prous, and Tom Brewster held the promise of potential future collaboration on various projects.