PICTURES: Curlers from USA, Norway, Finland and Czechia fly to Moray for international bonspiel which raised almost £2000 for Anthony Nolan Trust and Moray teenager aiming to become a professional cyclist
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There was joy for Finland and Norway at the 14th Moray international curling bonspiel.
The charity event, organised by local curling enthusiast Andy Cameron, proved to be another big success with six overseas rinks taking part including two from USA.
Each year the bonspiel also raised money for good causes and offer a helping hand to sporting talent based in Moray.
Cameron said this year’s event made over £1900, split between the Anthony Nolan charity and some funding for teenage cyclist Ava Luce from Lossiemouth, who is pursuing a professional career in her sport.
Over £1000 went to Anthony Nolan, which supports people with blood cancer, disorders or in need of a stem cell transplant. Cameron also ran last weekend’s London Marathon along with his 18-year-old daughter Melissa to make more cash for the cause.
“The bonspiel also raised £800 for Ava, who is only 14 or 15 but wants to become a professional cyclist,” he said. “She is doing amazingly well and is often travelling across the UK doing competitions or training.
“All we wanted to do was to support somebody local and if it is for a young sportsperson to give them more opportunities, all the better.
“The expense adds up for parents with travel and accommodation and if they are willing to put all that in to help their child develop their sporting talents even further, people are more than happy to contribute.
“Every sport should be looking after everybody else.”
Last year the bonspiel raised more than £1900 for Moray Curling Club to back their development of young players.
A similar amount was raised in 2024, and Cameron was delighted by the feedback he received from all the participants.
“We had two teams across from America this year, two from Norway, one from Finland and one from Czechia for the first time. One of my friends Anna (Petova), who I have known for the last ten years, was able to come over to Moray and play in the bonspiel for the first time in the Czech team.
“We had a full house of 20 teams yet again and it was a great experience for everyone. All of our visitors said it was an amazing experience.
“The team from Finland who won the low road competition last year and have been coming here for six year ended up as the high road winners this time.
“The low road was won by one of the Norwegian teams who were celebrating their tenth year coming to this event.
“The team from Czechia was second and the other Norwegian team was third. That gives you a real international flavour and that is what it is all about.
Cameron thanked all of the events sponsors, without whom he said the bonspiel could not take place.
Elixir Distillers stepped in as the main sponsor for the high road prizes and Glencairn is another new name backing the competition, while Walkers Shortbread have been a long-standing sponsor.
As for sporting all-rounder Cameron, the curling season may be over but there’s no rest in pursuit of other sporting goals.
Not content with completing the London Marathon, he has entered this weekend’s Loch Ness Etape long-distance cycle event, and if he is able to shake off a knee injury he hopes to run the Moray Coast 50-mile ultra race early next month.
