INNSBRUCK, Jan 14 - For some, being teamed with a stranger who does not speak the same language would be a daunting challenge.

But as far as Canadian Curler Corryn BROWN is concerned, that is a key part of the fun of the Innsbruck 2012 Winter Youth Olympic Games.

Part of the Curling programme at the Games is a mixed competition, where a Canadian will be paired with an athlete from another country.

"It will really be cool because Curling has a universal language," BROWN, who was Canada's Flag Bearer at the Opening Ceremony on Friday night, said. "Without talking, you can still communicate what you want to do. It won't be hard but it will be a challenge."

BROWN speaks English and French and her preference is to be teamed with a Curler who speaks German, and she hopes there is no one around to translate.

"It would be cool to see how they react and how I react to the different challenge," she said. "I like to be challenged so I want to see what happens. I think Austria would be cool because they have a lot of hometown supporters here."

BROWN had to face a few challenges just to become part of Canada's Curling foursome at Innsbruck 2012.

In picking the Youth Olympic Games team, the Canadian Curling Association set out a handful of criteria.

As well as having to meet certain standards in the sport itself, their academic work and volunteering, athletes were required to write an essay on how to promote sport in youth.

BROWN focused on how to promote sport at school, in the community and in the family, and it is an issue the 16 year old clearly feels passionate about.

"Kids should have a variety of sports and families should encourage their kids to be in sport," she said.

BROWN is relishing her time at Innsbruck 2012 and carrying her nation's flag at Friday night's Opening Ceremony is an experience she will treasure for the rest of her life.

"I still get chills thinking about it," she said. "Having that flag above my head, waving it and seeing all the crowd. I will never forget that memory."

As far as the Mixed Curling competition goes, Canada, Scotland and Sweden are considered contenders for the Gold medal at the Games.

"I don't feel it will be one team running away with it," Brown said. "I think all teams are equal."

The Curling Mixed Doubles competition involves one male and one female athlete from different nations playing together as a team. The teams will be determined by the athletes' positions within their own teams and their nation's overall position after the Mixed Curling event.

YIS aa/rm