19 August 2025
World Curling appoints Competitions Officer and Member Services Officer
World Curling is pleased to announce the appointment of two new members of staff: Octavia Traila as Competitions Officer and Ben Rowlings as Member Services Officer.
Traila, from Romania, has a professional background in marketing — which she studied at university — and most recently worked in project management for international market research studies.
She has been involved in curling from a young age, first as a junior curler representing Romania and taking part in World Curling camps in Fuessen and Sweet Lake. Over the years she has volunteered at multiple curling events, including the PyeongChang 2018 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games and as part of the LOC at the European Curling Championships 2019 C-Division.
Most recently, Traila has been focusing on umpiring, especially in wheelchair curling. She was part of the officiating crew at the Beijing 2022 Paralympic Winter Games and is now preparing for Milano Cortina 2026.
Traila said, “I am excited to be joining the Competitions team. I have had the chance to contribute to events before, but now I can in a much more in-depth role. I’m really looking forward to getting back to the venues and giving my best in this position.”
Eeva Roethlisberger, World Curling’s Head of Competitions, said, “We are delighted to welcome Octavia to our Competition team. With her experience in curling plus her skills in Project Management, Octavia will be a great addition to our team.”
Rowlings, from England, has previously worked within disability sport and university/college sports development, helping promote accessibility pathways and ways to make sport and physical activity available to everyone.
In addition, Rowlings is a two-time Paralympian in athletics, representing Paralympics GB at the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, making the finals in both the 100m and 800m T34 events. He is the current European 1500m T34 record holder.
Rowlings said, “I’m excited to join the World Curling team at such an important moment for the sport. I look forward to collaborating closely with our Member Associations to support the growth and impact of curling worldwide.
“Being part of a passionate community that’s advancing the sport to new heights is incredibly exciting, and I’m ready to hit the ground running and help shape the future of curling.”
Alan Chalmers, World Curling’s Chief Operations Officer, said, “I am delighted to welcome Ben to World Curling.
“His background in student sport will prove invaluable as we try to strengthen our commitment to our Member Associations.”
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