Winter games: Young volunteers picking up pointers

Two 15-year-old girls recently selected in the national under-21 team were among the youngest volunteers at the Winter Games in Naseby.

Jessica Smith, of Naseby and Holly Thompson, of Ranfurly, were enjoying their first-hand look at the international men's four and mixed doubles competition and gaining a few pointers as well.

The girls were helping with the scoring during the opening rounds of the Winter Games competition at the Maniototo Curling International rink.

Each had a magnetised board and they marked the location of each stone as it reached ''the house'', in case there were any disputes.

''It's been really interesting watching the teams in action and getting their strategy ideas,'' Jessica said. She began curling last year and is looking forward to her first taste of international competition at the Asia-Pacific tournament in Harbin, China, on January 7-15.

Holly has been curling for four or five years and was also taking a close interest in the top-level play on her home rink.

The girls will leave Central Otago at the height of summer and trade soaring temperatures for about -35degC in China in early January.

The national under-21 men's team includes four Maniototo curlers - Willie Miller, Liam Dowling, Luke Steele and Simon Neilson, together with Garion Long.

The women's team comprises Eleanor Adviento, Waverly Taylor and Tessa Farley, as well as Holly and Jessica.