Representatives from the 54 curling Member Associations together with other invited guests and Bach will attend a banquet, hosted by WCF President Kate Caithness and the WCF Board on Friday (April 1). 

Then on Saturday (April 2), Bach, will deliver the ceremonial stone in the St Jakobshalle, to recognise curling’s role in the Olympic Movement, as the 58th edition of the World Men’s Curling Championship – previously known as the Air Canada Silver Broom between 1968 and 1985 and the Scotch Cup before that – gets underway.

During the next 12 months further celebrations will take place, culminating in the publication of a commemorative book.

“It is an honour to have the President of the International Olympic Committee with us in Switzerland as we begin our 50th anniversary celebrations," said Catihness.

“Since its inception in 1966 the World Curling Federation - originally known as the International Council of Curling - has seen our sport grow significantly and enjoy much success."

The founding members of the WCF were originally Scotland, Canada, Norway, Sweden and Switzerland.

"We have seen curling progress within new markets in the Pacific-Asia region, where the next two Olympic Winter Games will be held [Pyeongchang in 2018 and Beijing in 2022], Europe and the Americas," said Caithness. 

"We’ve seen our sport added to the Olympic [Nagano in 1998] and Paralympic [Turin in 2006] programmes and subsequently its growth in the world’s most recognised sporting events.

"Curling now enjoys four medal disciplines and an increased number of teams.

“We are looking forward to the celebrations in the year ahead which will culminate with the publication of our 50th anniversary commemorative book, currently in production.”