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Local skaters figure in Funskate
The nine-year-old Innisfil Figure Skating Club member has been practicing her craft for the last five years. She skates for hours, several times per week. It's a routine that has required plenty of practice, early mornings, sacrifice and dedication. But Henry has always been persistent, excited for competition and continually working her hardest. Finally, the tired legs and hard falls paid off Saturday, during the Huronia Funskate at the Stroud Recreation Centre. "We go to competitions and I have a lot of fun," she said, dressed in purple skating attire, the gold medal hanging from her neck. "I was very excited (to win). I was jumping up and down." Henry wants to be a professional skater, idolizing the performances seen in onice Disney shows. But mostly, Henry enjoys the competition and camaraderie of the skating circuit.
Participants also came from 18 skating clubs in municipalities such as Barrie, Midland, Penetanguishene and Creemore, said Skate Canada representative Meighan Ferris. The event, which is sanctioned by Skate Canada, gives skaters an opportunity to showcase their skills, and gain experience and recognition, she said. "The focus of the competition is really about skaters getting out there for (one of their first times), encouraging participation in the sport and (having) fun. It's about being involved and gaining experience," said Ferris. "These skaters started their season in September or October. They put together a will be distributed New Tecumseth program with their coach. In terms of spotting the next Elvis Stojko, (we've) put together a talent development committee. They've been sending one or two people to each of the area competitions to see if there are people who really catch their eye, and encouraging them to move on and consider skating more often in competitions." Figure skating is a growing sport in the region, thanks to the success of the Mariposa School of Skating. The nationally acclaimed training centre is located in Barrie, and has produced figure skaters like Stojko, Brian Orser, Jeff Buttle, Josee Chouinard and Jennifer Robinson. distributed throughout Tecumseth by the end of February. "Particularly with the Mariposa training centre, there's a huge population of people who skate in this area. It's so close to a national training centre; their idols are training kilometres away," said Ferris. Other skaters also say they enjoy the competition in the area. "I like the competition," said six-year-old Erin Gillies, who earned a silver medal Saturday. "(Today) was exciting. I enjoy skating." Innisfil club president Michelle Viktil says the event was successful, with both parent volunteers and skaters working hard throughout the weekend. "We're very proud of all of our skaters. They've worked really hard to get here. They've represented the town and club very well," she said. "The younger ones skate three days a week, around four hours a day. "When we get into the older kids, some of them skate five or six days a week. They work hard." | ||||||
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