BEMIDJI’S DAVE WILLFORD HONORED AS THE 2026 VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
[EDEN PRAIRIE, MN, September 9, 2026] — Club president, coach, event organizer—these are just a few of the hats Dave Willford has worn while serving the sport. As a result of his efforts, the Recognition Committee is honoring him as the 2026 USA Curling Volunteer of the Year.
This award is given annually to people who demonstrate commitment across many areas of our sport. Willford is being recognized for his efforts on behalf of the Bemidji Curling Club, youth curling, the Minnesota Curling Association, and USA Curling. While he is not one to seek the spotlight, he has made a major impact on the sport and its community in every role.
When notified that he was being named the Volunteer of the Year, Willford said, "This is truly an honor and one that I deeply appreciate. At the same time, I know there are countless dedicated volunteers throughout the curling community who give so much of their time and talent to the sport we all love. I have also been fortunate to receive guidance, support, and encouragement from volunteers & staff at many other clubs, and I share this recognition with them."
“After working with Dave on events and engaging with him at Junior and U18 Nationals, I can say that he is not only deeply committed to curling but is also a great collaborator,” noted USA Curling CEO Dean Gemmell. “Not only did Dave and his wife Jennifer lead the charge at last year’s Mixed Doubles Nationals in Bemidji, it’s clear that his home club and curling in Minnesota are stronger because of his efforts.”
Established in 2012, the Volunteer of the Year award was created to recognize the work that curlers throughout the nation do to advance the sport, especially at the Member Club level. Nominations are accepted until June 30th each year and all USA Curling members—with the exception of current Board members and employees of the organization—are eligible.
Willford will be officially honored on October 3rd during the Members' Meeting in Lafayette, CO. The meeting can be attend in-person or viewed online.
About USA Curling
Founded in 1958 and headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, USA Curling is the National Governing body for the Olympic sport of curling and the Paralympic sport of wheelchair curling in the United States. The mission of USA Curling is to grow, strengthen, and advocate for the Olympic and Paralympic sport of curling in the United States by prioritizing accessibility and programmatic development from grassroots to podium. USA Curling is sponsored by Columbia Sportswear, the Dale’s family of beers, Twin Cities Orthopedics, Training HAUS, Ice, Sports & Solar (ISS), Rock Solid Productions, Jet Ice, and Laurie Artiss. USA Curling is a proud member of World Curling and the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee. To learn more, visit usacurling.org.
