The Sunshine Coast Skating Club is ready to leap into a new skating season with some exciting news - the addition of a $4,000 jump harness to be installed at the Gibsons and Area Community Centre.
"The club is thrilled to finally be able to purchase this much needed piece of equipment," said club president Jill-Marie Jarvis, crediting some creative fundraising and much appreciated grant monies from the Sunshine Coast Community Foundation and the Sunshine Coast Regional District for making the purchase possible.
Skaters are strapped into the harness, which uses a pulley attached to the ceiling to keep skaters aloft while they practice jumps.
"The jump harness simulates what a skater would normally be trying on their own," said director of coaching Lesleigh Farr. "However, it is a safer, more controlled way to learn the jumps with less risk of injury."
The club is now searching for a structural engineer in the community who would be willing to donate his or her time to get the harness installed in the arena, hopefully prior to the Sept. 1 start of programs. If you are a structural engineer and have a couple of hours to give to the club, please contact them at: [email protected].
Registration for learn-to-skate and figure skating lessons is set for Saturday, Aug. 22, in Gibsons from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Registration forms can also be downloaded at www.sunshinecoastskatingclub.ca.
In other club news, three skaters have been travelling throughout the summer while one billeted in Vancouver to participate in summer skating school at Burnaby 8-rinks. This all important block of skating is mandatory for any skaters on the regional development team, as well as preparation for the annual SummerSkate competition in mid-August. Alissa Harkin and Caitlin Jarvis will represent the club at this event.
Immediately following the competition, Jaymie Capron will be representing the club at the Rising Stars camp held at 8-rinks.
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