The Aly Jenkins Mixed Doubles Memorial took place from September 15 to 19 at the Martensville Curling Club. A total of 36 teams competed in the event for the $32,000 prize. Teams consisted of top-ranked curlers from the Canadian Mixed Doubles Ranking System, International curlers, past Saskatchewan championship curlers and local junior curlers.
Not only were teams competing for the prize money, but a direct-entry berth to the 2022 Canada Inns Canadian Mixed Doubles Curling Olympic Trials was also on the line. The trials will take place December 28, 2021 to January 2, 2022.
“This is an exciting opportunity to highlight mixed doubles in Saskatchewan, and especially for curlers who have dreamed about the Olympics for many years,” curler Nancy Martin, who has already qualified for a spot in the trials, explained.
The inaugural Aly Jenkins Mixed Doubles Memorial bonspiel was held in honour of Jenkins, a Saskatchewan curler and former Team Anderson member, that passed away two years ago due to complications in childbirth.
“Beyond Aly’s love of curling was her love of family and both her parents and husband are extremely proud that this event is in her name,” the Martensville Curling Club noted in a news release.
This event also helped to raise money for the Sandra Schmirler Foundation, which helps fund Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) in hospitals.
The Martensville Curling Club noted that this event would not have been possible without the sponsors and dedicated volunteers that put in countless hours to ensure the Aly Jenkins Mixed Doubles Memorial bonspiel was a success.
The winning team for the inaugural Aly Jenkins Mixed Doubles Memorial was Isabella Wrana and Rasmus Wrana, who were presented with the keeper awards by Michelle, Aly’s mother. Lisa Weagle and John Epping were awarded the Canadian Mixed Doubles Trial Spot.
The Martensville Curling Club would like to thank the presenting sponsor First Nations Capital & Infrastructure Agency of Saskatchewan, as well as the event sponsors and contributions from SGI, Curling Canada, volunteers, Athletic Homestyles and James Gordon – Prairie Ice.
PHOTO CAPTION: Winners of the Aly Jenkins Mixed Doubles Memorial were Isabella Wrana and Rasmus Wrana.
