Two father-daughter duos competing at BC Mixed Doubles Curling Championship

KAMLOOPS — The 2023 B.C. mixed doubles curling championship is underway here in Kamloops. Twenty teams are battling each other out for a spot at the 2023 Canadian Mixed Doubles. However, two father and daughter duos are embracing the opportunity teaming up.

Jim Cotter is one of two teams who is competing with his daughter Jaelyn. The two have been teamed up as early as 2016, when they last won the provincial title.

“It’s just phenomenal, I can’t even describe it in words. I don’t know what sport where you can actually play with your kids at a high level,” Jim told CFJC Today. “Usually, it’s a coach and that sort of thing so it’s super cool. It’s just amazing to come back to this curling club.”

Cotter has over 20 years of curling experience and grew up playing at McArthur Island Curling Club, that was previously managed by his father Rick. Jaelyn was indoctrinated into the sport from the time she was a newborn.

“Something about the sport I just loved it,” said Jaelyn. “There’s no other sport that jumped out to me. I tried soccer and bowling. I’ve tried so many things but nothing like curling.”

The other father and daughter duo that is competing in the five day event is Maple Ridge native Grant Dezura and his daughter Ashley. Grant, like Jim has over 20 years of curling experience. One of the few pointers he has passed onto his daughter is to stay composed.

“Especially in mixed doubles, you see some big ends and big scores out there. If you get down a little bit, just keep grinding and anything can happen,” said Grant.

On the other end, Cotter says the advice that he has passed over to his daughter is to have proper etiquette and respect with your peers.

“Something I learned from Kenny Brown and phenomenal curlers in this is look someone in the eye when you know, shake hands, have respect,” said Jim.

The tournament will take place from Feb. 7 and conclude on Feb. 12 at the McArthur Island Curling Club.