With the U17 Slam now well established, and very popular, competitions for curlers even younger are becoming even more important in the broadest aspects of curling development. There tends not to be much publicity for these, but I know from speaking to one parent yesterday how much fun it is for the youngsters involved. And I like how the competitions are called 'funspiels'. When all is said and done that's what it should be ... fun!Sandra MacIver sends this report by Alan Campbell, "Moray Leisure Centre and the Moray Province Coaching and Development Group had great pleasure in hosting the North Curling Funspeil in Elgin on Saturday, October 15. The hosts welcomed visiting teams from Inverness, Aberdeen, and Forfar who joined Moray Juniors in competing for the North regional honours. The winning team will represent the region in national finals later in the year. Two competitions were run over the course of the day. Firstly all teams competed against each other in their respective age groups in a round robin format.
After some very competitive games where some excellent curling was on show the U13 and U15 teams from Aberdeen ended the day victorious.
The winners of the Under-15 event were Rebecca Morrison, Eain Scott, Douglas Mathieson, and Emma Scott.
The winners of the U13 event were Scott Lockhart, Rory Young, Katy Young, and Anna Mathieson.
The 'Hot Shots Challenge' silverware went to the Moray club's Under-13 team, and the Forfar Under-15 team secured their victory in that competition.
Special mention of the day was for the youngest competitor, eight year old Sorley Macdonald. He played all the games and looked as if he could have played another three.
Moray Province Coaching Development Group wishes to acknowledge the support of the Moray Leisure centre and their staff."
Thanks Sandra and Alan!
Sandra is the Moray Province Coaching and Developments group's multitasking secretary who organised the day, supported by Morag Cumming, Bill Nicol, Alan Campbell, Campbell Ross and Barbara King.
Olympian Janice Rankin was there too to add her support and present the prizes.
Here's Janice with the U13 winners: Anna Mathieson, Katy Young, Rory Young and Scott Lockhart.
Here's the U15 winners: L-R: Eain Scott, Douglas Mathieson, Emma Scott, Rebecca Morrison.Last word goes to Alan who says, "A great day, fantastic to see so many talented youngsters on the ice giving it 100% ... all a credit to their respective rinks and clubs!"
Photos courtesy of Sandra MacIver.
