Curling since she was four year’s old, Yellowknife’s Ella Skauge says she is proud to receive one of six Spirit of Sandra scholarships.
Skauge said she got the call she won the scholarship on the day of her high school convocation.
“I was so happy. It was such an emotional day,” she said.
The scholarships are awarded annually to young Canadian curlers to help fund education and curling expenses. They were created in honour of Sandra Schmirler, a legendary curler and Olympic gold medalist who passed away in 2000.
The Sandra Schmirler Foundation also raises funds to support neonatal intensive care units, or NICUs, across Canada. The organization recently donated $64,000 to Stanton Territorial Hospital to support the purchase of two infant defibrillators.
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Recipients of the scholarships are mentored by Canadian curlers Lisa Weagle and Brett Gallant.
Recipients are also required to organize a community fundraising event for the Sandra Schmirler Foundation and collectively present $10,000 to a Canadian hospital’s NICU. Skauge said she hopes that she and a scholarship recipient from the Yukon can help the money go to a northern hospital.
Skauge’s advice to young curlers in the North is “just to try” and take advantage of all the opportunities available.
“Any effort you put in, you’ll get back,” said Skauge, adding she hopes to inspire other curlers to apply for the Spirit of Sandra scholarships.
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This is the 25th year the scholarships have been awarded and the second time a Skauge sibling has won. Skauge said her sister Kali won a scholarship two years ago.
Both sisters will be curling together at the University of Alberta this upcoming academic year.
Skauge is heading to the University of Alberta’s Augustana Campus in the fall to prepare for a nursing program in Saskatchewan. There she will play on the Augustana Vikings curling team.
Skauge said she will be taking a break from representing the NWT at the Scotties Tournament of Hearts, but wants to return to the national women’s curling tournament after finishing her junior curling career in Saskatchewan next year.
