Skip Meghan Walter and lead Mackenzie Elias hand out gifts (image credit - CFJC Today)

By Michael Reeve

THE NEXT GENERATION

Scotties curlers inspire students at the Kamloops School of the Arts

Feb 16, 2023 | 4:30 PM

KAMLOOPS — It was an assembly for the ages at the Kamloops School of the Arts on Thursday (Feb. 16) morning. With the Scotties Tournament of Hearts just one day away, six of the best curlers in the nation surprised a gym full of 100 elementary aged students and put them through the paces.

Team B.C. may no longer be the home favorites as this year’s Scotties, at least among students from KSA after the members from three rinks invaded the assembly.

“Yeah, (I like) Saskatchewan. I thought it was cool that (Kelly Schafer) was in the Olympics, and I feel like they will play really good,” said Team Saskatchewan’s newest fan, Teagan Kelly.

“I also like Saskatchewan,” added classmate Tay Paige.

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Schafer, Saskatchewan’s third, has curled in three Olympic games and is a world championship silver medalist. Despite the accolades, it’s moments like today’s assembly that stand out.

“To be here and feel the energy from the kids — and they had some great questions to ask us. It’s so good to be a part of. We love doing stuff like that. It kind of sets the tone for the competition when we can go in and feel like we have a bunch of little fans cheering us on,” said Schafer.

Along with two members from Robyn Silvernagle’s Team Saskatchewan, the wild card rinks skipped by Casey Scheidegger and Meghan Walters were also on hand to excite and inspire the kids.

“I started in Little Rocks and always looked up to my big brother to curl. I think that if these kids don’t have anyone curling in their family, they can look up to us and get into the game that way, too,” said Walters.

“We as curlers in this generation have learned from our parents. Hopefully we can make an impact and encourage other young people to start curling,” said Scheidegger.

The students got to try their hand at some indoor curling — a first experience of the sport for many.

“We both didn’t really like curling until we met them and saw them,” said young Teagan Kelly.

The curling fun isn’t over for KSA students, as close to 200 will be attending the Scotties next Thursday to cheer on their new favorite teams. Helping tide over the long wait for the kids — a big curling win from their teachers over the pros.