The Yukon Curling Association (YCA) is excited about the upcoming 2011-2012 curling season.

There will be a minimum of 11 different teams that will represent the Yukon on behalf of the YCA at various national and international championships this season.

And with Whitehorse hosting the 2012 Arctic Winter Games in March, there is more opportunity for further youth development in the sport, while the association's senior ladies and mens teams will, for the first time, have direct access to the 2012 Canadian Senior Championships in Abbotsford, B.C.

The YCA is also working in partnership with its member curling facilities to grow and expand opportunities for youth and those in the community with disabilities.

Special Olympics Yukon has become a strong partner in curling, and wheelchair curling will be introduced as an opportunity for individuals in Yukon who may have mobility impairments to be involved in sport in either a recreational or competitive aspect.

The YCA also has a number of activities planned for the upcoming season.

On Oct. 8-9, the YCA is facilitating a Junior Development Camp weekend, sponsored by the Whitehorse Elks Club.

The camp will take place in Whitehorse, and athletes from as far away as Inuvik, N.W.T., and Fairbanks, Alaska, are expected to attend.

The camp is aimed at junior athletes, primarily from ages 10-20 that have basic curling experience and are planning to be involved in competitive events in the coming season.

In conjunction with the Junior Development Camp, Jim Waite, Canadian Olympic and World Mens Curling team leader, will be presenting an inspiring presentation about the 2010 Olympics and his experiences with Team Canada in Vancouver.

The public is welcome to come to this presentation at the Whitehorse Curling Club on Oct. 7 from 6-7 p.m.

An introductory program to Ladies Competitive Curling will also be hosted by the Whitehorse Curling Club in October.

Kate Hamer, an experienced instructor and competitive curler from Ontario will be facilitating a program Oct. 10-11 aimed at assisting adult lady curlers considering the opportunities and benefits of participating in competitive curling in the Yukon.

The YCA will be partnering with three different communities and curling clubs over the season to host various Yukon Curling championships.

The 2011 YCA annual general meeting will be taking place on Sept. 29 at 7 p.m. in the Sport Yukon Building.

For YCA members outside Whitehorse, an opportunity to participate by teleconference will be possible.

For more information, contact the YCA office at 668-7121 or by e-mail at yca@sportyukon.com.