Sixteen local youths are going to have a memorable experience during the SaskTel Tankard provincial men’s curling championship in Estevan, thanks to the Junior Stars program.
The 16 curlers participating in Junior Stars were revealed on Tuesday afternoon at the Power Dodge Curling Centre. Each person selected through Junior Stars will be partnered with a team competing in the Tankard as part of the promotion.
The curlers selected are Abby Renkas, Genevieve Pryce, Taylor Haux, Kayden DeBruyne, Kristen Carlson, Makenzie Kitz, Gerren Petit, April McMillen, Braydon Ludtke, Haydon Willock, Sydney Willock, Alex Spencer, Kaylee Carlson, Tallynn Kitz, Logan Yurkowski and Lily Haygarth.
Pam Dechief, the chairperson of the Junior Stars committee, has been involved with Junior Stars at the national level in the past.
“It was just a great program, because it brought the youth into the curling rinks and they met with the teams, and it fostered the curling spirit in the youth,” said Dechief.
So when Estevan was awarded the Tankard, Dechief approached the event’s organizers about incorporating the Junior Stars program.
“To see the excitement and the joy, and just the curling desire that these youth have during their experience with the teams, and then afterwards, their excitement level is just off the charts,” said Dechief.
The teams also benefit from participating in Junior Stars because they can see the joy for the sport in the youths. Teams are eager to have youth involved in curling.
To be part of the Junior Stars program, the youths had to submit an application that included their experience in curling and their favorite curlers. The 16 participants were selected at random.
Each Junior Star will be an honourary member for their team. The youths will receive a jacket, spend time with their teams behind the scenes and during on-ice warmups, receive a tour of Affinity Place, be part of the opening ceremonies on Jan. 31, and watch the curling with their families.
“Make sure you’re not shy,” Dechief told the curlers. “Ask your teams all the questions you want to ask them. They will be so thrilled that you’re wanting to learn more about curling.”
Dechief said she was excited when she saw the applications for the Junior Stars program, and the experience of the curlers.
Helen Fornwald, who co-chairs the Tankard organizing committee, said the committee is excited to have the youths involved.
“We wanted to make sure we involved all the youth as much as possible,” said Fornwald. “So we’re really excited about the chosen 16 who will become a vital part of this whole event.”
She noted the young people selected are as young as seven years of age.
“It’s going to be really rewarding, and you’re going to learn lots as well,” said Fornwald.
The Tankard will be held from Jan. 31 to Feb. 4, 2018, at Affinity Place.
