4 minute read
Country Living Skating Carnival
Country Living Skating Carnival
Rosanne Fortier - News Correspondent
With poise and confidence, a variety of skaters showcased their skills during the annual Country Living Skating Carnival at the Wally Fedun Arena on March 3.
Denise Gara, President of Vegreville Skating Club (VSC), said “We currently have 80 active registrations, and 70 skaters for the carnival. Age ranges are three to 14.
Our objective for the carnival was so the performers could have fun and show their friends and family their accomplishments and how far they’ve progressed since the beginning of the season till now.”
VSC Head Coach Leighann Becker mentioned that their season starts in September and generally ends at the end of March, sometimes April depending on available test days.
“Skaters develop skills on how many hours they put in, in a week. The more they skate the more they learn; the more they advance.
We have also incorporated dry land training which brings my skating family together not only on ice but off ice.
The Carnival is the day for all the stars to shine, performing in front of friends and family.”
Head Coach for CanSkate Kiersten Dmytriw expressed that she is currently in her second year of coaching for VCS where she started as a program assistant in CanSkate at the age of nine and grew her positions with professional development from there. “Coaching CanSkate allows me to share my love for skating with these young skaters, especially because at first skating can be very challenging and discouraging, so I try to instill comfortability and confidence within every skater.”
The skaters’ positive attitudes and eagerness to participate in each session have contributed significantly to their overall development. I have noticed an increased level of confidence among the skaters, which is crucial for mastering new skills on the ice. In terms of specific skill development, many of the younger skaters have made significant progress in foundational elements such as balance, edge control, and basic maneuvers.
They have become more comfortable with forward and backward skating, as well as stopping techniques. I have also observed improvements in their coordination and movement, both essential aspects of figure skating and hockey. Through various on-ice activities and drills, the skaters have enhanced their balance, agility, and control, laying the groundwork for the execution of more complex skills in the future.
As a CanSkate coach, I believe that involvement in the carnival provides skaters the chance to showcase their skills while also establishing confidence in their skating abilities. Skaters learn the importance of teamwork, coordination, and communication as they work together with their peers to make their routines more cohesive. Participating in the carnival goes beyond technical skating skills, it contributes to the skaters' personal and artistic development, making them more well-rounded and confident individuals on and off the ice.”
Skaters who competed in St. Albert all received certificates while others who competed in Viking earned medals.
When asked how this competition went, Ruth Derow said her favorite part about participating was doing her solo.
Chailyn Gara said she enjoyed winning a silver medal.
Alyssa Ezio replied that she just liked the journey of doing the skating.
Bailey Sanford answered, “The competition went well. I just really liked competing. I was fine with the crowds and everything.”
