For this first edition of the “Curling Ambassadors” scholarship program offered by Curling Québec in partnership with SportsPay, we received 29 high-quality applications. The selection committee, composed of five members — Alanna Routledge, Executive Director, Sonny Mélançon, President of Curling Québec, Matthew Sigouin, Board Member, Émile Asselin, Director of Competitions, and Aline Fellmann, Director of Junior Programming and Communications — was impressed by the caliber and commitment of each candidate. As mentioned in the scholarship guidelines, the selection aimed to ensure fair representation across different age groups, regions, and practice settings (clubs, teams, etc.). We sincerely thank all the athletes for their participation and wish to recognize all the applications received. We are proud of our young curlers and the impact they have in their communities.
We are now pleased to unveil and congratulate our five 2025 scholarship recipients, who embody the values of curling, demonstrate perseverance both at school and in sport, and actively give back to their sport and community.
Trevor Meldrum (École secondaire de Rosemère, Rosemère curling club) is a dedicated young athlete who stands out for both his sporting achievements and community involvement. Passionate about curling since the age of seven, he has quickly risen through the ranks by participating in numerous provincial competitions, including Tic, Tap, Toc, the Jeux du Québec, Festi-Pierre U15, and the U15 Regions Final, earning a silver medal at the 2023 Jeux du Québec and winning the U15 provincial championship in 2025. Determined to improve, Trevor trains regularly both with his team and individually. He is currently in the qualification process for the 2027 Canada Games and competes in U18. A natural leader, he has also actively contributed to Kurling for Kids fundraisers, raising over $10,000 with his brother to support sick children and promote curling. Outside the rink, he also excels in flag football, where he was named MVP in 2025 and won several regional and provincial championships. With his team spirit, personal drive, and commitment to others, Trevor fully embodies the values of excellence, perseverance, and community engagement celebrated by the “Curling Ambassadors” scholarship.
Sarah Bergeron (Université du Québec à Chicoutimi, Riverbend curling club) is a determined and committed young curler. Since starting curling in 2015, she has competed in numerous provincial and national championships, winning the U-20 provincial championship in 2023 and a silver medal at the women’s provincial championship in 2024 at just 18 years old. She has participated in four Canadian championships, two in U18 and two in U20. Passionate about her sport, she trains diligently and also devotes time to improving her physical conditioning, as well as her mental and strategic approach. Beyond the ice, she shares her passion as the head coach of the junior club in Alma, mentoring the next generation and promoting curling to young players. An excellent student, she graduated from college in Natural Sciences and is currently pursuing university studies in education with distinction. With her sportsmanship, perseverance, and commitment to her teammates and community, she fully embodies the qualities of excellence and humanity that this scholarship seeks to recognize.
Nicolas Janidlo (John Abbott College, Pointe-Claire Curling Club) is a passionate young athlete with a love for curling and sports in general. Since the age of six, he has been actively involved in curling, participating in numerous provincial and national tournaments and winning several medals, including a bronze medal at the 2025 Canadian U18 Championship. He loves curling for its community, teamwork, and unifying spirit. A natural leader, he served as captain of his school curling team and continues to mentor younger players as a volunteer coach in his club’s junior program. Beyond curling, he contributes to his community through volunteering in youth baseball and local fundraising initiatives. A bright student, he graduated high school with honors and is now pursuing college studies in science at John Abbott College. Recognized for his sportsmanship, perseverance, and commitment to his teammates and community, he embodies all the qualities of a true curling ambassador.
Rosie Pilote (École secondaire la Seigneurie, Club de curling Jacques-Cartier) is a dedicated and engaged young curler who combines her passion for the sport with a strong sense of responsibility. For several years, she has volunteered with Entraide Agapè, contributing to both the food bank and the community thrift store. She also introduces young players to curling and actively supports her club during introductory activities. Rosie participates in an intensive Entrepreneurship-Studies program, where she develops qualities such as perseverance, leadership, organization, and creativity, which she applies both on the ice and in her academic and community life. She trains regularly, competes in multiple leagues, and prepares rigorously for the Canada Games selection process and the U18 provincial championship under the guidance of her coach. Her commitment to curling and the community, combined with her discipline and willingness to help others, make her an exemplary candidate and ambassador for curling.
Xavier Francius (Champlain College, Lennoxville Curling Club) is a young curler and engaged citizen who stands out both on the ice and in his community. He has been passionately involved in curling for eight years, participating in numerous regional and provincial tournaments, including the Jeux du Québec and the U18 provincial championship. He currently competes in U18 and Junior Mixed Doubles. A strategy enthusiast, he dedicates time to understanding the nuances of the sport and continuously improving himself to become a five-star curler. Concurrently, he actively gives back to his community, serving as Youth Commissioner for Scouts Canada, District Leader for Sherbrooke, and volunteering during the 2025 municipal election campaign, dedicating dozens of hours per month to these activities. Academically, he has been recognized for excellence in chemistry, consistently appearing on the honor roll and receiving prestigious scholarships for his achievements. Curious, engaged in all his pursuits, and passionate about curling, Xavier fully embodies the values and spirit of the Curling Ambassadors scholarship.
