The Sunshine Coast Skating Club will be well represented at the provincial championships next month.
Alison Camenisch, Alissa Harkin, Caitlin Jarvis, Avery Struck and Reanna Popp qualified based on their results at the regional championships in Chilliwack Feb. 9 to 10.
The region covers Whistler, Sunshine Coast, Lower Mainland, Fraser Valley and east to Hope, as well as the Yukon.In all, eight club skaters competed at the regionals. The five skaters who qualified will progress in eight events at the provincials set for March 6 to 9 in Kamloops.
One skater was entered in an event that ultimately progresses to the national level if she achieves a first place finish at provincials. "Most of the competitive skaters volunteer their time to help teach the club CanSkate and CanFigure classes, Skate Canada's learn-to-skate programs," said club president Jill-Marie Jarvis. "Excellence in coaching, committed volunteers, determined athletes and the Sunshine Coast Regional District and School District's ongoing support of the Excel skating performance academy all contributed to these excellent results."
Jarvis said with the support of School District No. 46, all the provincial team members train in the club's daytime Excel skating and performance program.
"Athletes who committed to training in the spring (off-Coast previously) and summer (locally for two seasons as well as off-Coast) are beginning to earn their rewards," she said. "Not only do these athletes see the benefits, the Sunshine Coast community benefits from being able to attract full-time, outstanding professional coaches to build long-term usage of the additional facilities. And families are able to remain on the Coast supporting local businesses. It's a win-win situation for our youth and local government, and the Sunshine Coast Skating Club is to be congratulated for its Olympic spirit and social responsibility."
The club is actively fundraising not only to keep the club running successfully, but also to helpoffset costs for progressive competitions. Competition costs are high, especially when you take into account ferries, gas or flights, hotels, coaching, etc. If you are interested in contributing to the fund to help send these girls off to provincials, contact Carmen Welch: [email protected] or the club at 604-886-3445.
