Youth Development Squad to train in Norway
Juniors
11 Jul 2023 – NZ Curling is delighted to announce our Youth Development Squad of Jed Nevill, Olivia Russell, Jack Steele and Ellie McKenzie.
The squad, supported by coach Mhairi-Bronté Duncan are heading to the World Curling Academy's Youth Training Programme in Lillehammer, Norway, from 19 – 25 August.
A criterion for potential participants was that they must be eligible to compete in the 2024 Youth Olympic Games in Gangwon, South Korea.
During the camp, countries will be kept as a team with their coach and divided into one of four groups based on their experience level. Each of the four groups will be assigned a youth coach from Norway to assist with their camp experience on and off the ice.
Classroom sessions will be led by educators from the Lillehammer Olympic Legacy Sports Centre and World Curling Academy. In the evening session, the coaches will have an opportunity to learn from world-class curling coaches about ways to develop their teams and help them prepare for competition.
The on-ice activities will be held in Kristins Hall, a multi-sport venue that was built for the 1994 Olympic Winter Games. The venue also hosted the curling competition at the 2016 Youth Olympic Games.
This is an amazing opportunity for our developing athletes to participate in a top-class international training programme. It's a chance to develop their skills and knowledge, learning from world-class curling coaches on and off the ice while creating new friendships.
Jed, Olivia, Jack and Ellie feel very privileged to have this opportunity as it is the first time New Zealand has sent a squad to a WCA Training Programme. Fundraising has begun, and they wish to thank everyone who has supported their fundraising ventures so far.