The unique international curling competition, featuring six teams from North America against six representing the rest of the world, will be contested from January 12-15 next year.

World Curling Federation president Kate Caithness said: "Two years after the success of the Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver, the world's top curlers will return to British Columbia and we can be guaranteed another great curling event."

Currently, North America and Team World are tied at three victories apiece in the Ryder Cup-like event, which began in 2002 in Regina.

Greg Stremlaw, chief executive officer of the Canadian Curling Association, said: "Langley will now be able to witness the world's best curlers in their own backyard."

"We are proud to contribute our efforts to help produce this top calibre international curling event."

Host committee chair Randall Kovacs added: "It is our belief that all local curlers who take the opportunity to attend this event will use it to elevate their own game.

"More importantly, it is our hope that individuals who have never participated in the sport will derive inspiration from watching and will visit their local curling centre to give it a try.

"Any net proceeds that may accrue from this event will be forwarded to the Langley Curling Club to perpetuate the sport through its Junior Curling Programme."