The Winter Olympics Youth Games officially blew its launching horns on the 19th of January in Gangwon province. 15 disciplines and nearly 2000 rising athletics names have gathered under the slogan, “Grow together. Shine forever.” 2 days into the games, the coveted stage has invited upon numerous firsts, and on the list, is Africa’s first-ever curling team debut.

On Friday, South Korea marked the first arrival of the Winter Youth Olympic Games outside of Europe. The nation and the games did so with a record-high young athlete participation since 2012 at 1900. The major weight of the number arrived from numerous debut nations, including the Nigerian curling team.

A new first for Africa

On the 19th of January, the Nigerian curling team became the first African team to walk their flag in the Winter Youth Olympic Games. The Olympics social media team, took to Instagram to share the glorious moment and etch the history. “Broomzillas [Nigerian curling team] are sweeping their way through Gangwon 2024,” the post read tagged alongside a practice clip of the team. It further added that it was the “first-ever African curling team to participate at the Winter YOG!”

The team of athletes aged between 15 to 18 earned their Gangwon 2024 qualification back in 2022 at the World Junior-B Curling Championships. “It’s a historic achievement for us, being the first of its kind in the entire African region,” Nigerian Curling Federation president, Daniel Damola Oyedepo said. However, the journey to and further wasn’t an easy path to walk for the athletes and the authorities.

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The team fights through odds for the Winter Youth Olympics

Winter sports aren’t a great presence in Nigeria or Africa as a whole. The absence of facilities and, more specifically, ice rinks was a noticeable hurdle in the athletes’ paths. It was further only added to by the lack of funding and required resources. Nonetheless, the dream to experience a breakthrough dwelled well within the athletes and the community surrounding them. Thus, the first ray of hope arrived when the International Olympic Committee funded the transport of three male and three female athletes. However, funding for a reverse and the officials remained a problem.

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Funding raising appeals, private funds from parents, and contributions from the sport’s governing authority helped the ends meet. Moreover, the lack of ice was reportedly replaced by floor curling for the practice. With community support, sacrifices, and a million dreams at stake, the athletes aim for a favorable return at the Gangwon Olympics 2024.

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