Young curlers from across the Interlake kicked off their spring break with a day of fun on the ice at Gimli U18 Curling’s Junior Funspiel on March 30.
Team Banana Bunch sweeps the ice during action at the Gimli Junior Funspiel
Einarson were among the prizes awarded at Gimli U18 Curling’s Junior Funspiel
Twelve teams — made up of 47 athletes from Gimli, Petersfield and Teulon — spent the day at the Gimli Recreation Centre playing four-end games and taking part in draw-to-the-button competitions.
Jaz Boaz, a coach with Gimli U18 Curling, hosted the event to introduce young athletes to a competitive format in a fun and supportive setting.
“The focus of the Funspiel is on having fun, exposing kids to age-appropriate competition, and getting to play kids outside of their home rink,” he said. “There are little, if any, curling events for kids age 10 and under, so every year the Funspiel is some kids’ first time playing in an event outside of their junior program.”
Teams were split into two divisions — 10U and 16U — and every athlete went home with a prize. Prize selection order was determined by each team’s total number of ends won throughout the day.
Team P Town Sweeping Beauties came out on top, earning nine of a possible 12 points. A three-way tie for second place followed with eight points, but Team Einarson Jr secured the runner-up spot after posting the best team draw-to-the-button score.
The funspiel wrapped up with an individual draw-to-the-button competition for all athletes.
Prizes included free swim passes to the Gimli pool, awarded to the top team score in each age division, as well as an autographed Team Lott/Lott jersey for the top individual score in each division.
Team Einarson Jr and Team P Town Sweeping Beauties claimed the team awards, while Ava Waluk took home the top individual prize in the 10U division with a shot measuring 11 inches from the pinhole. In the 16U division, Soren Sigurdson’s throw completely covered the pin, measuring zero inches.
Gimli Recreation Centre staff also selected their favourite team name, awarding The Sheet Disturbers with a free one-hour lane rental at Bowlers Lanes. All athletes were entered into a draw for a jersey signed by Kerri Einarson, with Alice Boaz selected as the winner.
Overall, the day was a hit with participants and families alike.
“The Teulon Curl Power girls had a blast,” said Kara Lee Woods, Ava Waluk’s parent. “My daughter Ava was completely in love with the day.”
Anyone interested in participating next year is encouraged to follow the Gimli U18 Curling Facebook page, where details about the next event will be announced.
