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Curler with deep Truro roots part of Brier package contest
Jonathan Henry may do his curling in Moncton as part of Special Olympics New Brunswick, but make no mistake, his story has plenty of Truro roots and residents are being asked to add to Jonathan’s personal curling journey.
Jonathan, who has Down syndrome, is part of a contest on the Curl Canada website in conjunction with Curling Day in Canada (curlingdayincanada. ca). People have submitted special curling stories and visitors to the site are asked to vote for their favourite. Jonathan’s story is called “Curling as an inclusive sport.” It’s in the running with the final 12, and with enough votes, Jonathan will win a 2022 Tim Hortons Brier package.
The package includes an allexpenses-paid trip for four to the Brier’s closing weekend, two double occupancy hotel rooms for four nights, tickets to all games on the final four days and Brier clothing. The 2022 Brier is being hosted by Lethbridge, Alta.
Jonathan’s grandfather was successful Truro curler Ted Henry and the family, including Jonathan’s dad Pete, have carried on the sport tradition. The family is still very prominent in the Truro area with Pete’s brother, Dave, known for his bowling abilities and business ventures, and another brother, John, as the owner of Roadside Willies Smokehouse and Bar in Bible Hill.
Jonathan’s mom Shirley reached out to the Truro community in a Facebook post, asking them to get behind Jonathan’s story.
She talked about her son, now 37, and his passion for sport.
“He took a break for a few years from curling because he is a swimmer,” she said, listing some of his many accomplishments in that sport. “He is also a speed skater and works out at the gym, so he is very busy. He took a little time off but this year, because he was inspired by Team (Anna) Hasselborg and wanted to support that team, he wanted to get back into curling.”
Unfortunately for Jonathan, his decision came just as COVID put curling at his home rink on hiatus.
“So he didn’t get back on the ice this year, but he is looking forward to watching it on TV,” Shirley said.
His connection to the Olympic gold medallists Hasselborg foursome, from Sweden, is part of the “Curling as an inclusive sport” story.
As part of World Down Syndrome Day, recognized annually on March 21, people are encouraged to raise awareness about the day by wearing mismatched socks. At an international competition during a recent March 21, Team Hasselborg did just that and posted a picture on social media with their pant legs pulled up to reveal the socks.
Pete saw the post and reached out to the team about Jonathan’s involvement, including a couple of high-pressure draws he made to score an incredible eight in one end.
“Jonathan threw his last rock to the open side of the house, using no rocks for backing,” part of the story reads. “This increased the tension amongst the parents. His two sweepers swept his rock hard to take it into the house. The crowd went crazy, jumping up and down.”
It notes Anna loved the story and sent Jonathan an autographed team shirt which he proudly wore when he had an opportunity to meet Team Hasselborg at the Pictou County Wellness Centre, during a 2019 Grand Slam Curling event.
“Jonathan has met several curlers over the years at the Scotties and Briers held in the Maritimes,” the story reads. “He loves the sport of curling and would love the chance to be included as a spectator at the 2022 Tim Horton’s Brier. He is a very enthusiastic fan.”
Shirley said her post had the desired effect of helping Jonathan’s story move up the list but it’s a competitive vote and she hopes more folks will log on, vote and help Jonathan’s chances.
“Inclusion of persons with a disability in any aspect of life is important. Sports allows these individuals to gain confidence and a sense of belonging. Now, in order for him to win, we need all our families and friends, and their families and friends, to cast a vote for his story.”
Voting deadline is Feb. 28 at 12:59 a.m. Atlantic time.