Okotoks Curler James Ballance Receives Bo Davidiuk Award at Alberta Provincials

Okotoks curler James Ballance, representing Team Parent, was honored with the Bo Davidiuk Award at Curling Alberta’s men’s provincial championship held in St. Paul. The award, dedicated to recognizing outstanding front-end players who exhibit exceptional team support, sweeping skills, and sportsmanship, acknowledges Ballance’s contributions as a rookie at the senior level.

The Bo Davidiuk Award, named in memory of the late multi-sport athlete from Edmonton known for his prowess in curling, was presented to Ballance for his positive attitude on the ice and camaraderie with fellow players. Ballance, a product of the Okotoks Curling Academy and former junior champion, transitioned smoothly to the men’s level after a successful junior career.

Having previously competed at the national level in juniors, Ballance’s experience proved invaluable as he assisted Team Parent in securing a 2-3 record at the Boston Pizza Cup, attaining victories against Team Ryan Jacques and Team Andrew Dunbar. Despite narrowly missing out on a spot in the playoff round, the team was proud of their performance as first-year competitors in the foursome.

Alongside Ballance, another notable participant from Diamond Valley, Jacob Libbus, delivered commendable results at the event, notching wins over Team Johnson Tao and Scott Webb. The prestigious tournament culminated in a suspenseful final, with the Aaron Sluchinski rink emerging victorious over veteran skip Kevin Koe, claiming the coveted Boston Pizza Cup title.

For more details and updates on curling events, enthusiasts can visit the official Curling Alberta website for comprehensive coverage and highlights of the sport’s provincial championships and other competitions.