The Creston Valley Figure Skating Club enjoyed home ice advantage on the weekend, earning 13 medals in the Kootenay Regional Figure Skating Championships, held at the John Bucyk Arena for the first time since 2003.
“This was the first competition for five of our skaters, and they were very excited to skate,” said coach Cassie Bloy. “It was also the first time some of our competitors medalled at a competition. It has been a while since we have brought home more than one or two medals.”
The local club earned three bronze medals and eight silver medals, with Allison Olson earning gold in the performance program and Timothy Thom earning gold in the men’s novice long division.
Olson’s gold and six of the silver medals came from the performance program, a first step on the road to competition.
“It is there to be a learning experience and ensure skaters receive positive reinforcement,” said Bloy. “There are three judges and skaters receive a report card from each judge, each looking at a different aspect of their performance including skating skills, transitions — the steps between the spins and jumps — and their performance, as well as written comments about what they loved, and what to consider next time.”
Creston’s skaters are now preparing for the Rocky Mountain FreeSkate competition, which will be held in Cranbrook on Feb. 24 and 25, and the Creston Valley Figure Skating Club’s annual ice show on March 4.
As always, Bloy’s expectations of her skaters will be the same as they were this weekend.
“Our competitors skated to the best of their ability and had fun — that is all I ask of them,” she said.
For complete Creston results and more photos, go to www.crestonvalleyadvance.ca.