Thunder Rock qualifies for Special Olympics Tankard
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Tillsonburg’s Special Olympics curling team has qualified for the Special Olympics Tankard Provincial Curling Championship.
Known as the Tillsonburg Thunder Rock, the team advanced from a 12-team Region 4 qualifier on Dec. 9. Four teams moved on to the next round being held Saturday, Jan. 21.
On Jan. 7, the Thunder Rock competed in the eight-team South West Tankard against teams from Region 3 and Region 4. Two teams qualified for the Tankard provincial championship in Dorchester – Tillsonburg in the B Division and Stratford in the A Division.
Also on Jan. 7, four teams from Region 1 and 2 competed at the South East Tankard in Cornwall. Milton advanced in the A Division – Ottawa won in the B Division, setting up an Ottawa-Tillsonburg B final on the 21st.
“They played extremely well,” said Thunder Rock coach Diane Kleer, noting this is only the team’s second season. “They are very competitive when it comes to games.”
“We didn’t know in the beginning, then when we got told we won it, we were so surprised,” said Matthew MacNeil.
“In the B Division,” nodded William Ypma.
The team shared excitement – and maybe a touch of nervousness – after Monday’s practice at the Tillsonburg Curling Club.
“First time doing it (Tankard),” said Corey Mulholland.
“I’m a little nervous because we’re playing Ottawa – a hard team we’ve never played before,” said AnnMarie D’Hondt. “You don’t know how long they’ve been curling.”
“This is the first time (playing against Ottawa),” nodded Kara Jones. “I’m hoping we can win.”
“First time, we don’t know,” said Mulholland. “We don’t know how it’s going to turn out.”
“Excited, yes,” said MacNeil.
“Yeah, I don’t know, nervous,” said Ypma.
“It means he’s ready,” said MacNeil. “If he’s nervous, it means he’s ready.”
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