[EAGAN, MN, November 1, 2023]  — Two more young players will be added to the Team USA Youth Olympic Games contingent following a Trials event at the Bemidji Curling Club, scheduled to run from November 2-5.

Talented young athletes from across the country will gather to compete and earn the right to be Mixed Doubles team representing the United States at the Games. Team Ponzio (Kenna Ponzio, Zachary Brenden, Teagan Thurston, Owen Nelson) will wear the Stars and Stripes in the four-person team event at the Games in Gangwon, Korea.

"It’s a terrific opportunity for these young curlers—they get to play for the honor of representing the United States in an international competition,” noted USA Curling CEO Dean Gemmell. “It’s particularly special because they’ll be playing at a club that has produced countless elite competitors, including Olympic medalists.”

The Youth Olympic Games are an international, multi-sport event for athletes born between January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2009. Like the Winter Olympic Games, the Winter Youth Olympic Games are held every four years. This is the first time a Trials event for the Mixed Doubles discipline has been held. Previously, each country sent only one four-person team—the Mixed Doubles portion combined players from different countries to compete together to close out the event.

“We’re thrilled the Mixed Doubles discipline now offers another opportunity for young athletes to experience the Youth Olympic Games and participate in a high-level international event,” added USA Curling Sporting Director Katie Baker. “Mixed Doubles is ideal for developing curlers—the pace of play is fast and the competitors need to have the full complement of skills.”.”

The first games of the Trials get underway at 9 AM CT on Thursday, November 2nd. After the qualifying round, eight teams will qualify for the single elimination playoff format, with the Trials championship scheduled for Sunday November 5th at 4 PM CT.

"We couldn’t be happier that the leadership and members of the Bemidji Curling Club agreed to take on hosting duties for these Trials," added Gemmell. "We know the community spirit that exists in the city, and I’m confident competitors will have a truly memorable experience.”

More information about the event schedule and participating teams can be found here. Games will be streamed on the Bemidji Curling Club YouTube channel.

About USA Curling

Founded in 1958 and headquartered in Eagan, Minnesota, USA Curling is the National Governing body for the Olympic sport of curling and the Paralympic sport of wheelchair curling in the United States. The mission of USA Curling is to grow, strengthen, and advocate for the Olympic and Paralympic sport of curling in the United States by prioritizing accessibility and programmatic development from grassroots to podium. USA Curling is sponsored by Columbia Sportswear, Twin Cities Orthopedics, Training HAUS, Toyota, ISS (Ice, Sports & Solar), Rock Solid Productions, IHG, and Laurie Artiss. USA Curling is a proud member of the World Curling Federation and the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee. To learn more, visit usacurling.org.