Our first ever exchange with the Nordic Junior Curling Tour (NJCT) is ready to go, the two teams have been preparing for the trip and are excited to be heading to Sweden to compete at the event from April 22-29. The Mixed Doubles teams of Oliver Campbell / Audrey Wallbank and McKenna McGovern / Sam Steep (pictured above) will be the first teams to compete in what we are confident will become an annual exchange event with the NJCT.
James Dryburgh, President of the NJCT commented,“The NJCT is delighted to present the NJCT Mixed Doubles Championship. Together with Byron Scott and the Junior Slam Series, we are providing a unique opportunity for junior Mixed Doubles teams to compete on an international stage. Junior curling is the future of our sport and working together with the Junior Slam Series will provide our athletes with a chance to develop their skills and tactics, experience new cultures and hopefully make life-long friends – the backbone of curling!”
We asked each of the athletes to tell us what they are looking forward to the about the exchange…
McKenna: “Earning the opportunity to go to Stockholm to do what I love… curling, is incredible to me. I’m very excited to meet new curlers from all over the world, and have some great competition. This is an opportunity I will never forget!”
Sam: “I’m looking forward to playing international teams on their side of the world. I’ve played teams from China and Switzerland but in Canada. So it will be cool to see what it is like in their shoes to go to a new country and curl!”
Audrey: “I am very excited to participate in this international event, as it will pave the way for other U21 Doubles Teams to do the same. Having the opportunity to travel and experience the curling culture in different parts of the world will be an honour I will never forget”
Oliver: “I’m very excited to get the opportunity to play against such a strong field of international teams”
Experiences like this go along way for young athletes. Both teams, McKenna & Sam, Audrey & Oliver will be sharing their experiences through social media and with us along this journey. We encourage anyone interested in Mixed Doubles to follow the teams and the Junior Slam Series over the coming months.
Last thoughts, “We are thrilled to be able to work with the NJCT in establishing this exchange. Mixed Doubles is an underdeveloped format at the junior level in Canada and we want to support it, grow it, and create lasting experiences for junior curlers. Our 2019/20 schedule will see several more opportunities for curlers at the both the U21 and U18 level to compete in this exciting format across our provincial network. “, says Byron Scott.
