U.S. MIXED DOUBLES OLYMPIC TRIALS RELOCATED TO EVELETH, MINN.
Based on continued consultation with the USOPC Covid mitigation planning teams and the Chief Medical Officer, the 2022 U.S. Olympic Trials for Mixed Doubles Curling, scheduled Oct. 26-31, 2021, will be relocated from Irvine, Cali. to Eveleth, Minn.
Event participant and public access in Irvine was taken into consideration before ultimately determining the shared access of the venue would not allow for an environment conducive to eliminating potential and unneeded exposure.
Venue access, combined with an overwhelming concern for the delta variant and the goal to mitigate the extent of travel required for the majority of participants, led to a decision that prioritizes the health and safety of participants, volunteers, coaches, and staff.
“While bringing curling to new and excited markets across the country is our passion, safety must always remain our priority,” said USA Curling CEO Jeff Plush. “Athletes have been training for four years to compete to become Team USA, and it is our obligation to ensure they can compete without added risk or worry by creating the safest conditions possible.”
USA Curling will rent the Curl Mesabi Curling Club in Eveleth, Minn. for the month of October to ensure full control of the facility and management of entry points.
USA Curling thanks the Orange County Sports Commission, Southern California Curling Center, Hollywood Curling Club, and Orange County Curling Club for their efforts in anticipation of the event.
“The decision to move Trials is regrettable, but necessary in these incredibly challenging times,” said Plush. “We look forward to bringing curling back to Southern California in the future as area clubs and members possess an energizing passion and are exceptional ambassadors of our sport.”
USA Curling is sponsored by Columbia Sportswear, Toyota, Twin Cities Orthopedics, Training HAUS, Brakebush, ISS (Ice, Sports & Solar), and Sitrin, and is partnered with IHG, Rock Solid Productions Inc., Laurie Artiss Ltd. – The Pin People, and United Airlines.
