Curling Canada CEO Nolan Thiessen went the distance—42.2 kilometres, to be exact—to support youth curling initiatives.
In late May, Thiessen capped months of dedication by completing the Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend Marathon. A personal challenge grew into a community-wide effort to raise funds for Curling Canada’s philanthropic program, which supports the curling journey of youth across Canada, from their first steps on the ice to a lifelong love of the game.
The initiative raised more than $10,000 that will be invested in youth curling programs and initiatives across Canada.
“What I kept coming back to was how much easier difficult things become when people support you,” Thiessen said. “There’s something powerful about people genuinely wanting to see each other succeed. That’s one of the reasons I care so deeply about curling.”
Thiessen, a three-time Montana’s Brier winner and world curling champion, took on his first marathon as a way to get in shape. Around the same time, Curling Canada launched its Grow the Game campaign, encouraging the curling community to pledge how they would help advance the sport during a season of heightened exposure from the Olympics and Paralympics.
Thiessen’s motivation—and a quality behind his curling success—was his belief in growth through shared experiences. By logging over 650 km in 2026 across Canada and abroad, he found a new community in running.
This parallels his experiences in curling and illustrates how Curling Canada’s For the Love of Curling program creates similar opportunities for youth.
“Opportunities to struggle, improve, and gain confidence can be intimidating. They are also a chance to find a welcoming and lasting community,” Thiessen said. “I’ve belonged to the curling community since I was a kid, and now, I’ve found that in running. I want more kids to find their own communities.”
Support poured in nationwide through donations and encouragement, helping Thiessen finish. In Ottawa, his partner and Curling Canada colleagues cheered him on in person.
“Nolan continues to lead by example and his marathon and fundraising accomplishments are about far more than crossing a finish line,” said Brodie Bazinet, Curling Canada’s Director of Philanthropy and Youth Impacts. “Much like youth who step onto the ice for the first time, he took on a challenge, faced adversity and emerged with a new sense of pride. His journey is a reminder of sport’s ability to bring people together, inspire growth and create a lasting sense of belonging.”
You can make a lasting impact and share the sport you love with more youth across Canada. Find out more about Curling Canada’s philanthropic For the Love of Curling program and make a difference today.
