Lasalle student joins Canadian curling team at the 2020 Youth Winter Olympics

Lauren Rajala, a Grade 11 student from Lasalle Secondary School, earned the honour of representing Team Canada in curling at the third annual Youth Winter Olympics. The games are set to take place in Champéry, Switzerland from January 9 to 22, 2020.

Curling out of the Idylwylde Golf & Country Club in Sudbury, Lauren Rajala garnered incredible success this past season. She captured gold with Team Northern Ontario at the Canadian Under 18 Championships and Team Ontario at the Canada Winter Games.

Outside of the arena, Lauren takes pride in her academic success, having finished with a 95 per cent average last term.

“It’s quite an honour to be chosen to represent our great country at the 2020 Youth Winter Olympics,” says Lauren Rajala. “I’m excited to see what this experience has in store for me as an athlete.”

Applications for the team were accepted from all age-eligible players in Canada. A special focus was given to participants of the 2019 Canada Winter Games and the 2019 Canadian Under 18 Boys and Girls Championships.

Athletes were assessed based on their curling skill, community leadership and academic achievement. Athletes also submitted a 500-word essay outlining why they wanted to play and the potential impact for their own ambitions, as well as curling in Canada.

“The quality of applications simply blew the selection committee away,” said Helen Radford, Curling Canada Manager, Youth Curling and NextGen Coach. “While it was extremely difficult to narrow it down to the four team members, it was also encouraging to see the passion and commitment of all applicants.”

Joining Lauren in her quest for gold are Jaedon Neuert of Manitoba, Emily Deschenes of Ontario, and Nathan Young of Newfoundland.

“On behalf of the entire school community, I extend best wishes to Lauren as she prepares for her upcoming adventure at the Youth Winter Olympics,” says Lasalle Secondary School Principal Maureen McNamara. “Go Team Canada!”

As she looks ahead, Lauren Rajala is eager for what’s to come. “I want to continue to grow in the sport and represent Ontario at national events like the Scotties Tournament of Hearts,” she says. “I would also like to play for Canada at future Olympics.”

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Media contact:

Nicole Charette, Senior Advisor
Corporate Communications and Strategic Planning
Rainbow District School Board, 705-674-3171 ext. 7217