Innisfil club hosting Skate Canada sectionals
By Chris Simon

In November, Innisfil will be hosting one of Ontario's largest figure skating spectacles.

The Innisfil Figure Skating Club will host the Skate Canada Sectional Championships, and several hundred competing skaters, over four days in November. The town has never hosted such a large-scale event. But the new Innisfil Recreation Complex and proximity to the talent-rich Mariposa Skating School helped bring the championships to Innisfil, said skating club president Michelle Viktil.

The event is the most prestigious figure skating competition held in Central Ontario, and is used as a qualifier for the national championships. So, some of the area's most talented skaters are expected to participate, she said.

"It's the most prestigious event held in Central Ontario in the skating season," said Viktil. "It's going to bring all the best skaters from all over Central Ontario.

"This is the biggest competition in Central Ontario."

The event will be held at the new recreation centre Nov. 6 to 9. Last year, the skating club hosted the Huronia Funskate, another prestigious Skate Canada event.

And each time a largescale skating event is held in the town, there's a boon to the local economy.

"There will be a small admission fee, and a weekend pass (will be) available," said Viktil. "We're going to be bring in a lot of people to the area to eat, drink and sleep. When these kids compete, they have to be there a number of days. The level of skating is going to be very high."

She says the sport has been gaining popularity in the region over the last few years.

"We're hoping to get some skating enthusiasts to give us some help," said Viktil.

"This is so big; it's so much bigger than our own skaters."

The skating club is currently recruiting volunteers, sponsors, and advertisers for the event. For more information, e-mail mviktil@hotmail.com.