25 November 2023
Kate Caithness CBE inducted into the World Curling Hall of Fame
Just over a year since she had to step down from the World Curling Federation, because she had reached the end of her allowable time in position, former President Kate Caithness CBE was inducted into the World Curling Federation Hall of Fame.
She received the World Curling Freytag Award during the men’s final of the Le Gruyère AOP European Curling Championships 2023.
This is the highest ‘non-playing’ honour that the World Curling Federation can bestow and when her many achievements in office are taken into consideration, it is hard to find a more worthy recipient.
Normally retirement means taking life a bit easier, but Kate’s time since the 2022 Congress in Lausanne has been tumultuous.
She explains, “I knew in July before I retired that I had breast cancer, and as soon as Congress was finished, I went straight into treatment. After a few months, it became clear that I’d come out the other end, and I’m just so happy to be here and feeling great. I’m lucky, I’m very fortunate.”
She admitted, “It’s taken a lot out of me, although I’ve been playing golf in the summer – I even managed to win a competition, with a net 68!”
Asked about being back at a major event she said, “My heart is still with curling. I’ve loved coming back, just meeting everyone is great. We’re one big family.
Despite her challenges, Kate has been keeping herself busy.
She explains, “I’m Vice-President of the International Masters Games Association and I’m still on the Advisory Board of the World Academy of Sport, so I have my finger in a few pies.”
Kate was inducted into the Hall of Fame by World Curling Federation Secretary General Colin Grahamslaw.
In his remarks, he said, “Kate is known as the ‘Mother’ of wheelchair curling. She was the power behind the introduction of mixed doubles curling to the Olympics and of curling to the Paralympics – now also to have a mixed doubles event. She was the first female President of an Olympic winter sport, and is known across the world simply as ‘Kate from Curling’.
“Her involvement in international sport has consolidated curling on the world and Olympic stage. She oversaw a period of unprecedented growth, including the first members from Africa and Central America, and the opening of the first dedicated rink in South America.”
In her reply, Kate said, “Thank you for this huge honour which is something I will always treasure.”
She added, “Little did I know that way back in 1998 when I became a rep for Scotland on the World Curling Federation stage, that 25 years later I would be standing here being inducted into the World Curling Federation Hall of Fame. It has been an unforgettable journey, and I have loved every minute.
“During my journey I have witnessed many developments in the sport which keeps going from strength to strength. I am humbled to have played a part in its growth.”
She finished with a sentiment that many have heard her say before, “What hasn’t changed – and I hope will never change – is the true spirit of curling and our wonderful curling family.”
