Murray Wood: Who's hot and who's not
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A spot in the Olympic trials is on the line as 36 of the best curling teams in Canada gather in Martensville this week.
They’re competing in the inaugural Aly Jenkins Mixed Doubles Memorial bonspiel. Jenkins was a Saskatchewan curler who died two years ago from complications in childbirth.
“Aly was a teammate of mine and an amazing friend to everyone around her and, obviously, this beautiful person – wife and mother – she was taken from us way too early,” said Nancy Martin.
Martin said it brings a smile to her face to see people coming together to remember Jenkins. Not only have teams come from all over Canada and the world, but there are also a number of big sponsors involved.
“It’s been amazing. There’s so much support and I think Aly would be so proud to be a part of this,” said Martin.
The winner of the bonspiel will get a berth into the Olympic trials being held over the New Year.
At the same time, money is being raised at the event for the Sandra Schmirler Foundation, which disperses funds to Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) at hospitals.
Scott Jenkins, Aly’s husband, said the foundation is close to his family’s hearts.
“We lived it … It was a tough nine days in the NICU but with those doctors and nurses, they did amazing work. Getting in the right equipment to do their job, it’ll save lives,” said Scott.
He called the support for the event and the family remarkable.
“Our family is forever grateful for everyone in this curling community and all the support right across the province and the nation,” he said.
The ‘spiel ends Sunday.
