Mike Harris has led teams to success as a high-performance curling coach, director of golf operations, and skip of the 1998 Olympic silver medalists – now Harris has his sights set on bolstering recreational and competitive curling as the newly appointed Executive Director of the Northern Ontario Curling Association (NOCA).
NOCA is the official governing body for the sport of curling in Northern Ontario. In collaboration with the Ontario Curling Council and Curling Canada, NOCA serves its membership of forty clubs and more than six thousand curlers through the development of programs, services, and strategies that inspire Ontarians to be involved in curling.
Harris will take over the reins on September 1st, 2022 from Bobby Ray who recently accepted a new position as Curling Canada’s Manager of Club Development.
The popular curling personality, who additionally performs duties as a Sportscaster for CBC and Rogers Sportsnet, is eager to give back to the sport that has provided him with a lifetime of fulfillment.
"I have spent my entire professional career working in sports, and sports management, in one way or another. I am very fortunate to be able to marry my job with my passion, which is the sport of curling. When I saw this opportunity with the Northern Ontario Curling Association, I was excited to try to branch out further with my career in the sport. I am very honoured to have been chosen to assume the role of Executive Director, and I look forward to working with the Board of Directors, the curling clubs, the competitive athletes, and most importantly, all of the curlers in Northern Ontario."
NOCA Board President, Hayley Smith shares Harris’ enthusiasm. “We are excited to have Mike join the Northern Ontario Curling Association team and are looking forward to introducing him to our member clubs over the next several months. His dedication to curling is well known and the Board is eager to work with him to grow our sport in Northern Ontario."
With limited summer weather remaining, Northern Ontario clubs are preparing for what they hope will be the first normal curling season since the onset of COVID-19. For individuals and groups seeking fun, active, and social opportunities to reconnect with their communities – please visit www.curlnoca.ca to discover a curling club, event, league, or beginner program near you.
Mike Harris can be reached at mike.harris@curlnoca.ca
