In March, the best women’s curling teams in the world will meet in Lethbridge to compete in the 2012 Ford World Women’s Curling Championship.

Since it was announced in April 2011 that Lethbridge would host the event, many preparations have been made. Jodi Meli, chair of the host committee, says the committee has been working to get the community involved with the tournament.

 “Creating awareness around the event has been a real focus for the event office as well as myself,” Meli said.

The actual games will be played at the newly renovated Enmax Centre and the all-day entertainment, or the “Patch,” will take place at the Servus Sports Centre. Meli says a focus over the next two months will be making sure the arenas are prepared.

“We will be working closely with both venues to ensure that both buildings are prepared to get transformed, from a hockey arena to a curling arena and a soccer centre into the ‘Patch’.”

Mainly volunteers from the community will run the tournament. Meli says the committee has gathered about 400 volunteers and is currently working with them to make sure all jobs will be taken care of.

“On Feb. 5, we are hosting a volunteer rally where the volunteers will be receiving their uniforms.  They are also currently working with the directors of the various areas in getting scheduled,” Meli said.

Since the first tournament in 1979, the women’s world championship has taken place in Canadian cities 12 times, and Lethbridge is no stranger to curling tournaments, having successfully hosted the Scotties Tournament of Hearts in 2007.

Tickets for the events are available in different packages and can be purchased online at www.lethbridge.ca/tickets, www.enmaxcentre.ca or by calling (403) 329-SEAT.