Vernon, February 25, 2008…. The Host committee of the 2008 Ford World Curling Championship today announced the winners of the Canada Safeway Junior Stars contest.

“Twelve young British Columbia Curlers between the ages of 10 -16 have won a spot as Honourary Members of a 2008 Ford World Women’s Curling Championship Team,” said Rob Pringle, Chair of the Host Committee. “This program is just one of the World Fest programs and events that have been planned to allow everyone in the province to become involved and experience this World Championship,” added Pringle.

The contest which is sponsored by Canada Safeway was open to members of junior curling leagues within the Interior of BC from Revelstoke and Golden to Osoyoos; and Kamloops to Nelson. Junior curlers were asked to enter by explaining “Why I want to be a Junior Star” and answering a skill testing question.

“Many Junior Curlers only dream of the opportunity to see the World’s best curlers play, let alone have the chance to meet them and be on the ice at the same time,” said Arnie Felker, Interior District Manager for Canada Safeway. “The Canada Safeway Junior Star program helps make those dreams come true for a few lucky young junior curlers and is a wonderful way to inspire them to continue to pursue their sport by giving them the once in a lifetime experience,” continued Mr. Felker.

Canada Safeway has a long History in Curling across Canada and in supporting youth programs in hundreds of community’s across the country.

Canada Safeway Junior Stars will receive: 

• a ticket for themselves and two guests to one of their teams round robin draws 
• a souvenir jacket and picture with their team 
• a march-in and introduction during the pre-game ceremony 
• an opportunity to practice with the team in their pre-game practice 
• an opportunity to meet the TSN Broadcast crew

The Canada Safeway Junior Stars 2008 are:

• Morgan Albo, Trail -- Sat 22nd - 6:00 PM - Team Canada
• Shannon Campbell, Kamloops -- Sun 23rd - 4:00 PM - Team Denmark
• Marin Faulkner, Salmon Arm -- Sun 23rd - 8:00 PM - Team Germany
• Summer Alexander, Lumby -- Mon 24th - 8:30 AM - Team Russia
• Nick Cliff, Armstrong/Vernon -- Mon 24th - 1:00 PM - Team Switzerland
• Breeanna Jones, Penticton -- Mon 24th - 6:30 PM - Team Sweden
• Abby Lagerquist, Lumby -- Tue 25th - 1:00 PM - Team Italy
• Paul Ellis, Oliver -- Tue 25th - 6:00 PM - Team USA
• Morgan Salviulo, Riondel -- Wed 26th - 1:00 PM - Team China
• Jeremy Woo, Vernon -- Wed 26th - 6:00 PM - Team Scotland
• Zetteh Gunner, Armstrong -- Thu 27th - 1:00 PM - Team Japan
• Rebekah Hatten, Lumby -- Thu 27th - 6:00 PM - Team Czech

Some quotes:

Morgan A: “I have so much fun curling.” A friend tried curling and “now it’s even better because I can curl with her!”

Shannon: “I am in my eighth season of curling at the Kamloops Curling Club.” ….”it would be awesome to spend time with some of the best curlers in the world…”

Marin: “…..I think curling rocks!”

Summer: “I play curling….to just have some fun with my friends.”

Nick: “I think curling is a life long sport, and I think this because my younger brother, grandpa and I all practice together three times a week …..”

Breeanna: “I feel ….that being able to experience the level of play at the World’s could only give me more knowledge, confidence and desire to continue with my curling…”

“Being a Junior Star would provide me with the hope that one day it could be me playing for Team Canada.”

Abby: “So my brother and I tried it (curling) and it was so much FUN!” “It was fun and easy to learn.”

"I can tell Butch and Bernie (coaches) are helping me get better….with their help and my confidence, I can become a junior curling star!”

Paul: “First of all, I love curling…. (next) year I plan on being an apprentice ice maker for my local curling club.”

Jeremy: “Although I only played my first end last year, I have learned that nothing is better than stepping into the cool, crisp air of the curling club. I love to hear the rocks whir gently down the frozen sheets of ice as skips yell out sweeping calls.”

Morgan S: “I would love the chance to see high performance ladies team and a championship.”

Rebekah: “I have never seen championship curlers in real life.”