Derek Neary
Northern News Services

Fort Simpson (Apr 09/04) - Kali Kwong finished two points shy of advancing to the Great Canadian Geography Challenge's national championship. At the territorial level -- contested online on Saturday -- the Fort Simpson youth answered most of the 70-odd questions right, but had one less correct answer than her Yellowknife opponent.

Kali Kwong, a student at Thomas Simpson school, placed second in the NWT at the Great Canadian Geography Challenge. - Derek Neary/NNSL photo

"They were pretty difficult," Kwong said of the trivia.

Although geography quizzes are often associated with naming the capitals of various countries, she said she couldn't recall a single question of that nature.

The topics encompassed weather and the atmosphere, volcanoes, definitions of scientific names and current events, she noted.

The process took about an hour. Her preparation consisted of studying a few hours during the nights leading up to the competition, she said.

Although she has an interest in travel -- she's been to Regina, Vancouver and Hong Kong -- she said geography doesn't rank as one of her favourite classes.

"It's one of my weaker subjects," she said, laughing.

Kwong's social studies teacher, Jeff Cressman, had some tips for her. She said his advice was to try to remain calm and take the full allotted break between questions.

She defeated several classmates in an inter-school geography competition in January to advance to the territorial final.

However, at age 14, Kwong is eligible to compete again in next year's competition. She said she plans to do just that.