AIDAN MacDONALD

“Being a role model for younger curlers is important because they are the future of the sport. Having someone to look up to, who comes from the same place and achieved what you dream about is important in the early stages of development. I hope to have a positive influence on the next generation by continuing to volunteer with local junior programs and running a learn to curl within the next year.”
—Aidan MacDonald

ALISON UMLAH

“I feel privileged to be awarded such a special scholarship among a talented field of student-athletes. It’s opportunities like this that inspire junior curlers and encourage them to continue learning and growing, both on and off the ice.”
—Alison Umlah

ARYN THIBAULT

Program Description: Encourage community members to try the sport of curling, introduce people to the great sport of curling, and create a safe place and community for all.
“I find it very rewarding to see how much kids and people you have coached in past years have learned and improved, knowing that you played a part in their curling journey. I want to be someone who makes others feel safe and accepted through kindness, respect and adaptability.” —Aryn Thibault

BENJAMIN MORIN

“Whenever I step onto the ice to practice or compete, my mind suddenly becomes calm and all of life’s stressors seemingly fade away. Curling allows me to display my competitive fire in a fun, friendly and supportive environment. The camaraderie and atmosphere of the curling community is special and it is something I value dearly. It is difficult to imagine life without curling.”
—Benjamin Morin
Presented by the Governor General's Curling Club

HANNAH GARGUL

JAYDEN KING

“I have a passion for equity, diversity and inclusion and want to continue facilitating an accepting and welcoming curling community where all individuals are valued and empowered. I will use this opportunity to continue taking leadership roles in the curling community and look forward to the expanded role I will have in the growth and development of our sport.”
—Jayden King

KEELIE DUNCAN

“Curling brings people together from everywhere and it’s a sport that has been passed down through generations. I love that I get to be a part of this amazing community. Curling is a sport that I can also pass down to younger generations and help grow the sport, which is wonderful. I love curling with all of my heart, and it helps me grow as a woman and athlete.”
—Keelie Duncan

KYLE STRATTON

“Curling in my experience has been a very accepting and open space where you can be who you are. That is very important to me as a 2SLGBTQIA+ curler and why I love the sport as much as I do. I aspire to be someone that the younger generations of curlers can look up to. I want to be someone who younger curlers can look at and say, ‘I want to be like him one day.’”
—Kyle Stratton

MADISON KLEITER

“The curling community has provided me with countless opportunities for growth and improvement. Through local and national clubs and competitions, I have been able to hone my skills and showcase my talent. These experiences allowed me to gain recognition from organizations such as Curling Canada that are passionate about supporting young athletes like myself. I feel truly fortunate to be part of a community that values not only the sport but also the academic development and success of its members.”
—Madison Kleiter

MADISON KLEITER

Program Description: Outreach to communities, including on- and off-ice curling workshops. Program to be built upon equity, diversity, and inclusion and to provide a safe space for communication.
“The goal for my program is to create a more inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome and valued and to help engage more individuals in the sport of curling. Fostering inclusivity in curling ensures equal opportunities for everyone to participate and excel in the sport.” — Madison Kleiter

REBECCA DOHERTY

Program Description: A one-day program to introduce students from schools in Ottawa to curling.
“The main objective of my program is to open new doors for students and allow them to experience something they may not have been able to because of numerous barriers. The opportunity will allow more diversity in our curling community and continue the path of inclusivity.” — Rebecca Doherty

SARAH McNEIL LAMSWOOD

“Competing is emotionally and physically difficult and the support I have received is a major factor in my success. I am thankful for all my coaches and teammates, and I am grateful that my curling community never gave up on me. Even though I went through many years without success, they always believed in me, and their hope played the biggest role in who I am as a curler today.”
—Sarah McNeil Lamswood

SIMON PERRY

Program Description: Further grow and diversify the local curling population as well as helping new immigrants to find a sense of community.
“As I see it, true inclusivity, diversity, and equity should occur in all areas. My curling program intends to provide newcomers to Canada with a sense of community and feeling welcome and hopefully ignite their very own passion for the amazing sport of curling.” — Simon Perry

SOPHIE BLADES

“I hope to be an uplifting and supportive role model for young curlers, as I continue to help them learn. I also hope that they will feel a genuine love and connection to this great sport, that is shared by so many worldwide!”
—Sophie Blades

TYLER POWELL

Program Description: A five-week program to introduce new Canadians and Ukrainian refugee children aged 10-18 to curling.
“I am passionate about the growth of curling in Canada. I want this program to introduce curling to Ukrainian refugee children and new Canadians as I feel like these communities normally don’t have opportunities readily available for them to try sports, and it is important to me to create an opportunity for them to try curling and feel welcome in our curling community.” — Tyler Powell

ZOE CINNAMON

“It’s important to interact with the younger generation so they have role models as they carve their own path through curling. I intend to continue volunteering with youth in curling to show them that they can achieve anything they put their minds to and keep curling at a high level myself to show what you can become if you put in the hard work and dedication.”
—Zoe Cinnamon