Four local figure skaters will be vying for glory at the BC-Yukon Sectional Championships. And local fans have an opportunity to watch them compete as the event will be held in Parksville at Oceanside Place Nov. 9-12.
The four local girl who will be representing Sandy Shores Skating Club are Kate Cameron (pre-novice class), Olivia Bau (novice) and Alice Terada and Tabitha Devaughan (juvenile under-14).
“We are so lucky that it is at our home rink and we do not have to travel,” said Launie Elves, president of Sandy Shores Skating Club. “Our young skaters are fortunate, as well as our community will be able to come out and watch this calibre of skating.
The championships, part of the Pond to Podium Super Series and Provincial Championships, will also feature four British Columbia national team members and another 208 skaters, representing 25 skating clubs throughout the BC-Yukon section.
The national team members attending are Larkyn Austman and Sarah Tamura, and ice dancers Haley Sales and Nikolas Wamsteeker. Competition will be held at the Howie Meeker Arena at Oceanside Place.
“Parksville is very excited to be hosting the Provincial Skating Championships,” said Robynne Shaw, BC-Yukon Section Vancouver Island event co-ordinator. “The entire team of BC-YK Section staff, officials and volunteers is working diligently to provide the best atmosphere in order to ensure skaters have the opportunity to compete to the best of their ability.”
The sectional event determines the BC-Yukon Section skaters who will move on to Skate Canada Challenge Nov. 29-Dec. 3 in Montreal.
That competition then determines which skaters will advance to the Canadian Tire National Championships to be held in Vancouver, Jan. 8-14.
The following finishers at sectionals will earn the right to travel to challenge: pre-novice men (9 qualifiers), senior women (6), novice women (6), pre-novice women, novice men and junior women (5 each), junior men (4), senior dance (3), senior men (3), junior dance (2), pre-novice dance, and novice dance (one each).
Sandy Shores Skating Club will be assissting the organizers of the event. They are looking for volunteers and those who would like to help are asked to call Launie at 250-586-5491.
Daily admission to the event is $5, or $10 for an all-event ticket.
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