The Manitoba government is investing up to $450,000 to support Brandon’s Local Curling Host Committee to host the 2025 Roar of the Rings Olympic Curling Trials Sport, Culture and Heritage Minister Obby Khan announced today. “Manitoba has some of the best curlers in the country and we are proud to support the efforts of Brandon to bring this prestigious event to Manitoba,” said Khan. “Brandon has earned a reputation as an incredible curling host including hosting the 2019 Tim Hortons Brier, and I am confident in their ability to provide an incredible fan and visitor experience if they’re chosen to host Canada’s top curling talent in 2025.” The Manitoba government’s $450,000 commitment is being matched by the City of Brandon, with additional support from Travel Manitoba, Curl Manitoba and local partners. The last time Brandon hosted the Olympic Trials was in 1997, where the men’s and women’s teams went on to win silver and gold respectively at the Olympics, the minister noted. “We would be thrilled to host the Roar of the Rings Olympic Curling Trials in November 2025, and our city is the perfect choice with a passionate curling community,” said Mayor Jeff Fawcett, City of Brandon. “We have been honoured to host previous national competitions and work closely with our Local Curling Host Committee to provide an incredible experience for everyone involved. With support from the Manitoba government and our other local partners, the City of Brandon would welcome Canada’s top curling talent to show their skills in our great city in 2025.” The 2025 Roar of the Rings Olympic Curling Trials is scheduled for Nov. 22 to 30, and estimated to result in over $17.6 million in economic activities, including almost $2 million in provincial tax revenues. “The Canadian Curling Trials will showcase the absolute best curling you will ever see,” said Nate Andrews, member, Brandon’s Local Curling Host Committee. “The stakes are high and we know Brandon would be the perfect host for this event.” The Roar of the Rings Olympic Curling Trials are held every four years and feature Canada’s eight best curling teams in both male and female divisions. The winners go on to represent Canada at the 2026 Milano Corina Olympic Games. The 2021 Olympic Trials were held in Saskatoon.

Former longtime Owner and Governor of the Brandon Wheat Kings, Kelly McCrimmon brought the Stanley Cup to Brandon for a public viewing earlier today. The event, at the Keystone Centre, drew thousands of guests with people lining up first thing in the morning to have their photo taken with the most prized possession in all of sports.

Brandon, MB - Since coming together in 2018 the Brandon United Football Club has worked hard to provide soccer training to youngsters from the ages of 3-18. In 2021 they acquired full sanctioning from the Canadian Soccer Association as a Quality Soccer Provider. The group has also partnered with Villarreal CF in Spain. Being affiliated with with a prestigious European football club through their international academy division has opened the doors for some local players to have an opportunity train in Spain. Ryan Childs, Brandon United FC Facility and Equipment Director is excited about the ID Camp entering its second year. “We are putting on a soccer camp again this month with Villarreal CF,” he says, “This will be the second year we’ve offered the chance for the youth soccer community the experience to be trained in Villarreal's methodology. The camp is an ID camp exclusively for our members and run by a UEFA licensed coach from Villarreal CF coaching staff.” The 2023 Brandon United FC / Villarreal CF ID camp will select players to send to Spain for a week of training in Villarreal's facilities. Players affiliated with the international academy division, like players with Brandon United FC, who meet the skilled level that is required by Villarreal FC may have an opportunity to play on higher level teams or eventally progress to playing on a professional league team. To date there are two players from other international Villarreal academies playing on the Villarreal B team. Half of the 2022 Pro Team, the team that plays in the La Liga against Barcelona FC and Real Madrid, was comprised of Villarreal CF trained athletes. The 2023 camp will run from July 17th – 21st at the outdoor field space adjacent to the Brandon University Healthy Living Centre and is open to BUFC members in the U8 – U17 boys and girls categories. More information and registration details can be found at www.brandonunitedfootball.ca .

Brandon's Brad Schoonbaert recently signed a deal with Kansas City Mavericks of the ECHL for the 2023-24 season. The affable Schoonbaert spent 3-seasons in the MJHL with the Steinbach Pistons, prior to lacing them up for 4-seasons at the University of Calgary.  A solid dependable two-way forward, Schoonbaert is also recognized as one of the top ball hockey goalies in the province. Also joining Brad in Kansas City will be Cartright's Ty Enns who also recently completed his college career in the States. We’ll see him in October folks ???? pic.twitter.com/gQwuoxDDQv — Kansas City Mavericks (@kc_mavericks) July 13, 2023

The Canadian High School Rodeo Finals will take place this summer in Brandon, August 2-4, 2023. The weekend will feature approximately 350 contestants (grades 5-12) competing at the Keystone Centre for national titles. Participants will be battling in a variety of events; trap shooting, barrels, goat tying, saddle bronc riding, team roping, bull roping and more. Gate admission is $10, or $20 for a weekend pass. A link to the weekends schedule can be found here.