The Atwal siblings, Sukhi and Jinder, are inseparable. Together, they have travelled the world, started their own successful business enterprise and done humanitarian work in Mexico. Now this brother-sister duo from Terrace, BC has teamed up to compete on the second season of ‘The Amazing Race Canada.’
‘The Amazing Race Canada’ is a reality television series in which eleven teams of two must trek across Canada. At each destination, the teams face mental and physical challenges in order to discover their next location. The first team to reach the final destination wins the grand prize. This year, the winning team will get a $250,000 cash payout, two Chevrolet Silverado Pickup trucks, “gas for life” from Petro Canada and the opportunity to fly free for a year anywhere Air Canada flies.
“We first thought about participating in the Amazing Race years ago, when we saw the American show,” Sukhi shares. “So when we found out the show was coming to Canadian television, we knew we had to apply.”
They sent in the first take of their audition video, just hours before the deadline – and the producers loved it. After a quick meeting with the producers, Sukhi and Jinder were thrilled to be chosen as participants.
“In the Amazing Race, you never know what you have to do, where you will start, where you will end up. It really is the ultimate adventure-seekers heaven!” says Sukhi. “You need to be adventurous and not scared of the unknown. Both Jinder and I are spontaneous and love going with the flow. We don’t get [easily] stressed out and are up to do anything.”
For the past couple of weeks, the siblings have been preparing themselves for whatever challenges the Race might bring. This included watching hours of previous seasons of the show, working out 5 – 7 days a week and taking ice baths every night to speed up their recovery times. “We’ve never felt stronger, or more fit than we do now, in our entire lives,” says Sukhi.
Good thing too – as the Atwal siblings are up against some serious competition this season in the Race. One of the competing teams is comprised of the Olympic gold medalists for Women’s Hockey, Natalie Spooner and Meaghan Mikkelson.
However, this determined brother-sister team remain unfazed and are confident in their chances of winning. As young entrepreneurs who oversee ventures around the world, they have learnt to successfully deal with a number of stressful situations. “Being siblings is also a major advantage,” adds Jinder. “At the end of the day, even if we get into the most heated argument, we’ll get over it.”
Despite their 7 year age difference, Sukhi and Jinder have always shared a strong bond. Growing up, Sukhi was often not allowed to go out unless she brought her younger brother with her and those early years together laid the groundwork for a strong friendship. “At the end of the day, we’re both such big dreamers and have so much fun together as we go after these big goals,” shares Jinder. “It’s been really great having a strong support [system].”
“Both of us would not race with any other person,” adds Sukhi. “We have been best friends for as long as we can remember.”
The ambitious duo has already planned what they will do if they win the Race. One of their prize trucks will go to their father, as a thank-you for everything he’s done. They have also decided that they will invest the cash prize and start a new venture. “We [also want] to build and grow a non-profit organization called ‘One Dollar Projects,” says Sukhi. Inspired by their humanitarian trips to Haiti and Mexico over the years, their One
Dollar Projects will have each member donating a dollar a month to fund money for various world causes.
“Winning the Amazing race [is] one of ourdreams. We know it is going to take a lot of teamwork and dedication. We want to put our skills to the test and do whatever it takes to bring the title home,” says Sukhi.
The Amazing Race Canada airs Tuesdays at 9 pm on CTV. To follow Sukhi and Jinder on their adventures, visit their website at
www.sukhiandjinder.com.
PHOTO: CTV , The amazing Race Canada