Open meetings.
Open meetings of the representatives of the member countries of the World Curling Federation are a long-standing tradition. This year, for the first time, the question was raised whether these meetings have any value at all, any explanatory power. The majority answer is yes, but everyone immediately adds that a face-to-face meeting is better than a virtual one. A lot of time is spent on sustainability, the impact of curling and sport in general on the environment and the responsibility of the federation, associations and individual players for the state of the planet, with an emphasis on future generations. Previously it was more of a gender issue. Divided into groups, we are discussing some serious aspects that are expected to be the topics of the September Congress in Montreal, Canada. The atmosphere is optimistic and friendly. The most active are a Dutch woman, an Australian and a Brazilian. Among the main points that will move curling in the coming months is the suggestion of a ban on playing championship matches with only three players. The idea was also floated that this could be allowed, but with the proviso that a three-man team would only have six stones. Or seven. Still, the WCF has other, ongoing priorities. The need to increase the number of registered active players, specialist halls and member countries is still being raised. The athletics commission is expanding and members of working groups are being added. And, of course, a suitable marketing model is being sought which, together with the implementation of technical innovations, will catapult curling into the top sports. In less than two years the Olympics will be here, which is always a great opportunity every four years to break out of the average and capitalise on the potential. Curling can do that.