Celebrating Volunteers – Kevin Swaile
National Volunteer Week (April 19–25) is a time to recognize the individuals who make sport in our communities thrive. In 2026, that celebration carries even greater significance as part of the International Year of Volunteers.
Throughout the year, we’ll be sharing stories that celebrate the people who make curling possible in communities all over BC. We’re proud to begin by recognizing Kevin Swaile, whose dedication this past season made a meaningful impact across the BC curling scene.
If you have attended a BC Championship this past season, you have almost certainly seen Kevin around. From Esquimalt to Kimberley and everywhere in between, Kevin volunteered at seven different BC Championships as a game umpire and a timer. He also volunteered at two Canadian Championships and the Olympic Qualification Event in Kelowna.
“I missed the curling rink environment,” said Kevin when asked what drives him to give back to the sport. “I enjoy working with the curlers on ice and the volunteers that help to organize events, as well as the timers. I also enjoy travelling to different communities around BC.”
Kevin’s connection to curling goes back decades. He first became a fan in the mid-1980s, drawn in by the strategy of the game. He eventually took to the ice himself, playing lead through the early 2000s. As the game evolved, so did the demands of the position, and Kevin stepped away from playing and moved on to other pursuits.
That changed in 2023, when he volunteered as a timer at a Grand Slam of Curling event in Grande Prairie. Being back in that environment hooked him back in, this time as an official, and he hasn’t looked back since.
Volunteering creates connection, purpose, and lasting impact within communities. For Kevin, it’s a way to stay socially active and engaged, while continuing to be part of a sport he enjoys. At the same time, the role volunteers play is essential. Without their generosity, competitions simply wouldn’t happen. By travelling to events across the province, Kevin has seen firsthand the effort local volunteers put in and how much it matters. Showing up, lending a hand, and sharing experience can make a real difference in helping those communities grow their volunteer base and continue hosting events.
That’s what National Volunteer Week is all about. It’s a reminder that giving your time sustain the sport today while inspiring the next generation to get involved.
Kevin plans to pick up where he left off next season volunteering at as many events as possible.
If you want to celebrate passionate and dedicated volunteers like Kevin:
- nominate them for Curl BC Annual Awards, deadline is April 30 curlbc.ca/recognitions/curlbc-awards/
- send us their stories by filling this webform: wkf.ms/41YzqNc
