5 Questions with Jeff Stoughton

Take a curling beat down for lung disease

Jeff Stoughton talks about his upcoming involvement with the Manitoba Lung Association’s charity bonspiel and gala dinner.

The Manitoba Lung Association is hosting their inaugural Hit and Roll Bonspiel and Gala dinner on February 25, 2012 in support of Manitobans with lung disease. Team Stoughton has agreed to partner with the association on what is proving to be a pretty original event. Jeff Stoughton, team skip, sat down with organizers of the event to share a few pointers with curlers for the charity bonspiel and also to talk about his recent World Championship win and what his team’s plans are looking forward.

5 Questions for Jeff Stoughton:

1. What did it mean for your team to represent Manitoba and to win the World Men’s Curling Championship?

Stoughton: It meant everything to our team. It was an unbelievable feeling to set our team goal before the season started and then go out and do it. To represent Manitoba in the Brier, to win it, and then have the honour of wearing the maple leaf on your back, well it just doesn't get any better than that. The team can't stop smiling when someone brings up the world championship, it was magical!

2. What is this spin-o-rama move and how did it start?

Stoughton: The move is to complete a 360 spin before the hog line, release the stone and hopefully make the shot! It started back in 1995 when my team was practicing, goofing around and trying fun shots, I think it just happened. So, when I first did it on TV, well it was a big hit and it's always fun to see people try it, and its fun for me to perform it!

3. Why did you and your team decide get involved with the Manitoba Lung Association for the Hit & Roll Bonspiel and Gala?

Stoughton: The Manitoba Lung Association approached us in the spring with the idea. After we reviewed the concept, it was a no-brainer, to jump on board and try to make a difference for those with Lung problems.

4. As a nine-time Manitoba Provincial Champion, three-time Brier champion and now two-time World champion what is the next step for you and your team? What is your team setting its sights on up ahead?

Stoughton: Very good question. Like last year we are taking each year one at a time, not looking to far ahead, but our immediate goal is to get back to the Brier, which means winning our Provincial Championship!

5. The Hit & Roll Bonspiel will have teams of all different experience levels from the social curler, to the novice, to the experienced community leaguer. Do you have any tips that you can offer up as the teams prepare to compete in this charity bonspiel?

Stoughton: We sure can, just have FUN!!

Hit and Roll Bonspiel and Gala Dinner

The Manitoba Lung Association, in partnership with Team Stoughton, World Curling Champions, presents Hit and Roll. This exciting bonspiel and gala dinner on February 25, 2012 will raise money to help support the 1 in 5 Manitobans living with lung disease.

The two-part event provides a fun and exciting opportunity to interact with Winnipeg’s own Team Stoughton, while supporting a wonderful cause at the same time. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact The Manitoba Lung Association at 204-774-5501 or visit www.mb.lung.ca.

About the Manitoba Lung Association

One of Manitoba’s oldest charities, the Manitoba Lung Association is the premier source of lung health information and initiatives in the province. Our efforts are focused on lung health education and the prevention and management of lung disease.