The World Junior Curling Championships are over and the skip of team New Zealand wants to thank Queens County for their hospitality.
Nineteen year-old Matthew Neilson says the area is beautiful and people were incredibly friendly during their stay.
“Curling is very small in New Zealand. A lot of people don’t know about it and you have to explain it. It’s really nice to be a part of a nice community, small community as well that are very supportive of us.”
New Zealand made history by competing in their first ever World Junior Curling Championship.
But, Neilson and his team did more than show up; the Kiwis had an impressive debut, posting a 4-5 record and finishing sixth overall.
Neilson says he hopes their finish this week will bring more exposure to the game in his country.
“We’re trying to push it there and get some smaller kids going and hopefully things like this, a lot of kids can see what we can do with it. Although we’re a small country and don’t have a lot to do with curling, we can still compete at high levels.”
Neilson says they don’t have the opportunity to play many tournaments in New Zealand but they hope to finish in the top four next year.
He says the team loved Queens Place and its ice quality.
The team now embark on their 22 hour flight back home to New Zealand.
Reported by: Nick Yorston
Twitter: @NickYorston
E-mail: yorston.nick@radioabl.ca
