Curling Jamaica recently played host to a successful third edition of its “International Friendly,” welcoming teams from seven nations to the Dundas Valley Golf and Curling Club in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada on Sunday, February 25, 2024.
The event saw Curling Jamaica’s national team hopefuls, many of whom had competed in Jamaica’s National Championship of Mixed Doubles Curling the previous day, join players from national team programs representing Kenya, Mexico, Portugal, Guyana, Hong Kong, and the Philippines in three draws of exhibition games.
Among the participating teams, the Kenyan delegation traveled the farthest distance from Nairobi to Hamilton, highlighting the global appeal of the event. Other participants were predominantly based throughout Southern Ontario.
International Friendly featured three disciplines
The International Friendly featured three disciplines: Doubles, Triples (a new 3-person team format with unique rules), and traditional 4-person curling. In the four-on-four draw, Jamaica’s men’s team faced off against Guyana, with the latter securing a narrow 6-4 victory. Meanwhile, Jamaica’s women’s team triumphed over Hong Kong with a score of 8-4.
In mixed doubles, Jamaica’s sibling duo of Stephanie Chen and Justin Chen dominated their match against Portugal, securing a 10-3 win. However, Mexico managed to defeat Jamaica’s other doubles team, Madeleine Spurgeon and Don Johnston, with a score of 9-7.
Reflecting on the success of the event, Curling Jamaica Director and event organizer Ben Kong expressed satisfaction with the growth of the International Friendly since its inception. He credited the participating teams and Curling Jamaica members for the event’s success and thanked Dundas Valley Golf & Country Club for their hospitality.
Platform for camaraderie
Kong highlighted the significance of the event in providing valuable experience for Jamaican players against international competition and emphasized the event’s role in fostering camaraderie and growth within the curling community.
Overall, Curling Jamaica’s International Friendly served as a platform for camaraderie, skill development, and cultural exchange among curling enthusiasts from diverse backgrounds, showcasing the sport’s global appeal and the spirit of sportsmanship.
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