Olympic silver-medalist Cheryl Bernard will retire from competitive curling, it was announced today. The Alberta-born curler has strong ties to Prince Edward Island. Her father, Thayne, was born in Freetown and several aunts, uncles and cousins live on the Island.

Bernard won a silver medal at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, curling with third Susan O’Connor, second Carolyn McRorie (Darbyshire), lead Cori Morris (Bartel), alternate Kristie Moore and coach Dennis Balderston.

She will now devote her energies to her family, her charity endeavours and to public speaking.

“To retire from the game I absolutely love is one of the toughest decisions of my life” said Bernard.

“But it’s time to be satisfied with what I have accomplished in the sport and walk away with some amazing memories and incredible relationships. I don’t think you ever really leave the game, I am sure I will stay involved in some capacity going forward.”

“It’s now time to give back to my family and continue my work with my two favorite charities, the Brain Tumor Foundation of Canada and World Vision Canada. As well, I will continue to do keynotes across the country speaking about the parallels that exist between sport and business.

I  am excited about all the possibilities out there. ”

In addition to her Olympic appearance, she appeared in four Scotties Tournament of Hearts Canadian women’s championships skipping Team Alberta (1992, 1996, 2007, 2009), including a runner-up finish in 1996 at Thunder Bay, Ont.

“Standing on the podium in Vancouver and winning a medal for Canada with three other outstanding women was the most incredible feeling — a dream come true for all of us,” she said. “It’s been an amazing career and I have so many people to thank. Specifically my common-law husband,Terry Meek, my family, friends, fans and sponsors, as well as the exemplary coaching and friendship I received from Dennis and from sports psychologist Penny Werthner.

They all provided amazing support and enabled our team to compete at the highest level.”

Bernard extended her curling career beyond the ice. She co-authored a book (with Guy Scholz) called “Between the Sheets: Creating Curling Champions” in 2005, and also created and co-chaired the annual Curl For a Cure charity bonspiel in Calgary, which raised more than $1.3 million for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation between 2003 and 2007.