Although many of us would like to keep our minds off of ice for as long as possible, Quesnel Figure Skating Club is embracing the upcoming season with a very busy fall schedule.
Members of STARSkate, the club’s competitive figure skating club, have been practising since Aug. 27.
Made up of 14 senior skaters and 15 juniors, they are honing their skills to put on a spectacular performance at the Cariboo North Central Regionals at the start of next year (Jan. 18-20).
Quesnel will play host to the event, which is the biggest competition of the year for many of the contestants.
More than 200 figure skaters and their families will be coming to town, which will be a huge boon for the city.
The club is looking for volunteers and sponsors who are interested in promoting the sport in the community. They are planning on putting on a top-notch event for figure skating fans from 100 Mile House to Fort Nelson.
Volunteers will be responsible for helping athletes on and off the ice, running paperwork for results, setting up backstage and dressing rooms as well as helping skaters sign up or figure their way around.
Anyone interested can email quesnelfsc@hotmail.com. For more info, check quesnelfigureskatingclub.com or find their page on Facebook at Quesnel Figure Skating Club.
Free try-it session
If your child is looking to give skating a shot, they are welcome to come by Rink 2 at 5 p.m. on Thursday (Sept. 27) for an opportunity to see what CanSkate is all about.
The program is suited to skaters ages three and older and is not specifically geared towards figure skating. Hockey players looking to gain an edge are strongly encouraged to try the program, which will improve their skills considerably.
“With CanSkate, we shy away from figure skating,” says head coach Carly Stuart. “It is strictly learning control, balance and agility on skates.”
All that is required to participate is skates and a CSA-approved hockey helmet.
The CanSkate program begins on Oct. 2 or Oct. 4. Skaters can choose between either session, or do two a week.
Those who graduate from CanSkate can take advantage of CanPower.
“It’s an additional power skate class,” says Stuart. “Skate Canada has done a lot of work in the last couple years aligning themselves with long-term athlete development.”
“We’re trying to develop them at a reasonable pace and there once their strengths are identified, we filter them into a program that’s right for them.”
sports@quesnelobserver.com
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