[EDEN PRAIRIE, MN, January 28, 2025] — USA Curling is pleased to announce that the Men’s National Championship trophy has been named the Sugahara Cup in honor of longtime patron of the game Kaytaro G. Sugahara.

Sugahara discovered curling at the Ardsley Curling Club in Ardsley, NY, in 1973, and his passion for the sport developed quickly. Before long, he was not only curling around the country and the world, he was backing major events and working to promote the game everywhere, including on the ice in Central Park in Manhattan.

From 1986 through 1988, Sugahara led a group that financed the World Curling Championships when the event found itself without a major sponsor. In 1988, World Curling awarded the Elmer Freytag Award to Sugahara, honoring him for distinguished service and major contributions to the development and advancement of curling internationally. He was also a key player in the efforts that made curling a medal sport in the Olympic Games in 1998.

His many donations were often done anonymously, and clubs around the United States have benefitted from his generosity.

“Kay’s love of curling might only be matched by his passion for improving the viewing experience in curling clubs,” noted USA Curling CEO Dean Gemmell. “In fact, if you find yourself in a club with monitors that enhance the viewing experience, there’s a very good chance he’s the reason. He was way ahead of everyone on that front.”

During his distinguished business career, Sugahara led Fairfield-Maxwell, a third generation family-owned enterprise founded in 1957, through decades of success. In 1979, he was appointed President of the company, headquartered in New York City, and he became Chairman following his father’s passing in 1988. Under his leadership, the company experienced significant growth in the oil and gas services industry and diversified into other business categories. In 2017, Sugahara’s eldest son Byron became Chairman of the Board of Fairfield-Maxwell.

“Kay’s many contributions to the sport have made a truly significant, lasting impact on curling and the national organization,” Gemmell added. “We’re thrilled that he will be attending this year’s national championships in Duluth with his family and friends, and we look forward to presenting the beautiful Sugahara Cup with him on Sunday.”

Both the Sugahara Cup and the Women’s Championship trophy have also been completely refurbished by Ardsley member Derek Kayser, a master carpenter and longtime friend of Sugahara.

About USA Curling

Founded in 1958 and headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, USA Curling is the National Governing body for the Olympic sport of curling and the Paralympic sport of wheelchair curling in the United States. The mission of USA Curling is to grow, strengthen, and advocate for the Olympic and Paralympic sport of curling in the United States by prioritizing accessibility and programmatic development from grassroots to podium. USA Curling is sponsored by Columbia Sportswear, the Dale’s family of beers, Twin Cities Orthopedics, Training HAUS, Ice, Sports & Solar (ISS), Rock Solid Productions, Jet Ice, and Laurie Artiss. USA Curling is a proud member of World Curling and the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee. To learn more, visit usacurling.org.