Fellow Rotarians that have gone on this exchange have told me this is an incredible experience that has been going on for over 60 years! The combination of curling, a sport rich in tradition, and the cultural exchange through Rotary makes for a very memorable trip. Scotland, being the birthplace of curling, will offer a unique opportunity to connect with the sport's roots while meeting fellow Rotarians from across the pond. Scotland’s beautiful landscapes and welcoming spirit will be the perfect backdrop for this adventure. I am very excited to experience the local customs, learn new techniques, and to immerse myself in this wonderful Rotary Friendship Curling Exhange. - Mark Siemans
I've been hearing stories from past team members about this friendship exchange for 15+ years - as long as I've been in Rotary I'm so unbelievably excited about this opportunity. Travel, fellowship, curling, and a few wee drams... a dream experience! - Lindsey Foster
The Canada to Scotland Rotary Curling tour has been providing an opportunity for International Rotary Fellowship since 1956. Every other year teams have gone “across the pond” to curl for several weeks and deepen connections within Rotary.
The 2024 Canada to Scotland Curling team is eager for our trip this November 2-24. Our 18 team members from Rotary Clubs across Ontario will enjoy 13 games of curling against Scottish Rotarians. We will enjoy the hospitality of Rotarians across their beautiful country and know it will be an experience of a lifetime.
Members of our Tour Team and their Rotary Club are:
- District 6330 – Ron Anderson (Stratford), Rob Munden (Thornbury Clarksburg) Sonja and David Glass (Meaford)
- District 7010 – Atul Swarup (Peterborough), Mike Richardson (Bridgenorth Ennismore Lakefield)
- District 7040 - Lindsey Foster (Kingston), Mark Siemans (Kingston)
- District 7080 – Donna Buchan (our fearless leader from Guelph Trillium), Carl Webster (Guelph), Rob Galloway (Fergus), Paul Reitzel (Kitchener Conestoga), Tom Everrett (Cambridge Preston-Hespeler), Trudy Brown (Wellington), Phyo Kyi (Wellington)
- District 7090 – Jim Howden (Grimsby), John Vallee (Simcoe), Keith Jones (Norfolk Sunrise)
And immediately upon our return we will begin the planning to host the Scottish tour team in the fall of 2026.
We will provide their team with a geographically diverse experience in Ontario with excellent hosting, hospitality and three banquets.
If your Rotary Club is interested in having one of us speak to your membership upon our return or is interested in becoming part of the tour in the future please contact Team Captain, Donna Buchan, Rotary Club Guelph Trillium dmbuchan@gmail.com or 519-222-1594)
Thank you for your interest in the Rotary International Fellowship of Curling.