Last weekend Nelson skaters were in Cranbrook at the East Kootenay Invitational Competition, the first of three regional competitions open to figure skaters in the Kootenays.
Approximately 130 figure skaters from around the Kootenay Region met to show off their new programs for the 2014-2015 season. As well as free skate, skaters competed in interpretive events, dance solo and the elements event where single elements were performed in a fun competition.
The first outing of the season is where coaches see how well the programs work, and how many elements skaters can achieve.
“They then take what is learned from this experience, coupled with the report cards that skaters receive from the judges to improve for the next competition,” said Sarah Gower, coach of a number of the skaters who attended the competition.
Coach Yoshie Measures added “We ran a simulation a few weeks ago to check that the skaters had all the correct elements in their programs, and give them some feedback. Our skaters are ready!”
Skaters will also compete in January at the West Kootenay Invitational in Rossland and Kootenay Regional Championships in Fernie.
Skate Nelson is a not for profit run Skate Canada club, and has been a leader in teaching all levels of skater from beginner to advanced figure skaters. Visit nelsonfigureskatingclub.ca.