In August 2026, four Limestone District School Board students will represent the Canadian Ice Stock Federation (CISF) at the U16 European Stock Sport Championships in Oberwart, Austria.

Representing Loughborough Public School are Caleb Hammer and Preston Klein, who are both completing their final year of elementary school. Joining them are Jayden Kermeen of Frontenac Secondary School and Lucas Hammer of Sydenham High School.

Centuries ago, this sport, often described as a combination of curling and bocce, originated in the Alpine regions of Austria and Germany. Players slide a stock toward a target, known as a daube, and use precision and strategy to score points by placing their stock closest to the target to better the other team.  Although born on ice, this sport is now played on both ice and non-ice surfaces using specialized equipment.

This August's European Championships will mark the first time a Canadian youth team has competed in an international stock sport championship. The boys will compete against athletes from several nations in a country that is the heart of the sport. These young athletes, students of LDSB, are making history. There is no doubt that this experience will be life-changing and will inspire other young Canadians to explore a sport that offers unique opportunities for international competition and cultural exchange.

To help offset travel and accommodation expenses, the team has been actively fundraising and seeking sponsorship support. Their next major fundraiser will be a Schnitzel Dinner at the Golden Links Hall in Harrowsmith on July 18, 2026, with both dine-in and take-out options available. Tickets are $25 per plate and include schnitzel, sauerkraut, and German potato salad. The meal will be prepared by Brian Breitwiesser, former owner of the Amadeus Café in Kingston.

Those interested in attending can reserve tickets by contacting Chris Hammer at hammer4974@gmail.com.

Sincerely,

Chris Hammer
Coach, Team Canada U16 Stock Sport Team