A Ponoka curler has been selected as one of the recipients of the Spirit of Sandra Scholarship, awarded by the Sandra Schmirler Foundation to support young leaders in curling and community service.
Emma Deschiffart skipped her team at the 2024 Canadian U20 Championships and volunteers with the Little Rocks youth program at her local curling centre. She will attend the University of Alberta this fall, pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce with a specialization in accounting.
Now in its 12th year, the Spirit of Sandra Scholarship honours young curlers who demonstrate leadership, generosity and commitment—on the ice, in the classroom, and throughout their communities.
Each scholar receives a $5,000 scholarship and will host a fundraising event in support of the Foundation. At the end of the season, the group will help present a $10,000 grant to a Canadian Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) to fund life-saving equipment.
While many recipients have competed at high levels, the scholarship’s focus is broader than athletic success.
“As we approach our 25th anniversary, these scholars are a powerful reminder of what Sandra stood for,” said Janet Murphy, board chair of the Sandra Schmirler Foundation. “It’s not just about winning championships—it’s about leading with generosity, building community, and helping save the lives of newborns across the country.”
Deschiffart and the 2025 recipients will be mentored throughout the year by Olympic curlers Lisa Weagle and Brett Gallant, who will support the group through leadership development, fundraising and outreach.
“These young curlers inspire me,” said Weagle, Olympian and vice-chair of the Foundation. “They’re talented and driven, but they also have the heart and leadership to help others. That’s what this program is all about—champions who care, and who carry Sandra’s legacy with pride.”
As part of the program, scholars will participate in a two-day camp in Calgary, which includes training at Canadian Sport Institute Alberta and a visit to Foothills Medical Centre, where they’ll learn more about the critical equipment funded through the Foundation.
Since its founding in 2001, the Sandra Schmirler Foundation has raised over $9 million, supporting 110 hospitals in every province and territory to help newborns survive and thrive.
For more information, visit the Sandra Schmirler Foundation website.
With information from the Sandra Schmirler Foundation.
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