Local couple competed at international event

By C. Scott Holland

Bringing honours to Canada was a thrill back in 1982 for Nick and Vicky Klym in the sport of shuffleboard. They had been part of a lengthy journey which started six years prior.

Both were members of the Canadian Men’s and Women’s teams, which competed at the 2nd International Shuffleboard Tournament held in Laguna, California.

They had taken part in the 1st International event held in Michigan the previous year and had placed second to the American team.

However, 1982 was a different year, as the Canadian Men’s and Ladies’ teams took the top honours in both divisions. The Canadian Ladies amassed 91 points while the US was next with 77 and Japan at 24. The Men’s team had 83 points with the US behind at 79 and Japan 31.

Vicky and Nick Klym show off their plaques after participating in the 2nd Annual International Shuffleboard tourney in Laguna, Cal. The Canadian Ladies and Men’s teams won the championships in 1982.

Scott Holland photo

For the Concession C couple, playing at the top level was nothing new for them. Their shuffleboard career had began in 1976 while living five months of the year at Lakeland, Florida. It did not take long for other Canadians to note the Klyms’ skills and they were invited to join the Canadian team at the 1st International competition in Michigan.

Each of the two Canadian teams consisted of 12 members. Eight of the couples were husband and wife teams.

At the time, the sport was growing and under the jurisdiction of the Canadian National Shufffleboard Association.

As Vicky noted, “It was a marvelous experience and we were treated very well by our hosts.”.

The teams wore Canadian emblem crests which were designed by Vicky.

The main objective for all the entries was to gain enough world-wide countries as entrants so the sport could become a part of future Olympic games.