Congratulations to our Game Umpire Brenda Chinn, as she was awarded STC Sport Tourism Volunteer of the Year, presented by Explore Edmonton, at the 2025 Sport Tourism Canada’s PRESTIGE Awards!

Brenda shared her thoughts after the announcement:

How does it feel to win the STC Sport Tourism Volunteer of the Year award?
It is a great honour to be recognized nationally for doing something that I love: giving back to sport. I don’t know how many nominees there are each year for this award but there must be THOUSANDS of volunteers who help out at sport events. Thanks to Michelle Collens of Sport Hosting Vancouver for nominating me.

What motivates you to volunteer over the years?
As someone who used to work in sport, I know how difficult it is to find good, reliable volunteers to run events. All my sporty friends keep asking if I am interested and available to help out with their events. That is how I became involved in so many different sports. To be honest, it keeps me out of trouble.

How would you encourage anyone to volunteer, particularly in curling?
Start out with your local curling club: they will have events that you can help with and even consider serving as a board member or a learn-to-curl coach. And finally, Curl BC is always looking for officials! Time clock operators (Level 1) and game umpires (Level 2) are needed at all the BC Championships. If I can do it, (almost) anyone can.

Brenda, THANK YOU for your contributions to curling in BC!