Just over a year into her new role as the head coach of the Revelstoke Skating Club, Ciara Michaluk is working hard to create a positive environment for skaters.
Michaluk, who grew up skating and skiing in Kelowna, has made it a priority to create a space where skaters feel comfortable being themselves.
“Kids have crazy school lives and they have to deal with drama and anxiety and parent relationships and they just have so much going on,” she said. “I remember that from my youth and so going to the skating rink for me was where everything went away and I could be real, be myself and I was surrounded by people who loved me and didn’t care about all that other stuff.”
The Revelstoke Skating Club has programs for every type of skater, from beginners in the Learn to Skate programs, to both competitive and recreational figure skating programs.
“Skating is a big thing in Canada and so kids learn properly how to skate and don’t develop a fear of it either,” said Michaluk. “Kids learn in a safe atmosphere and they develop a love for it so they can share it with their friends and families.”
This is Michaluk’s seventh season coaching skating. She spent five years in Whistler as a coach and for two years before she moved to Revelstoke, she was an outdoor instructor and guide, taking youth on trips down rivers, up mountains and out to sea.
When Michaluk, who’s always wanted to live in Revelstoke saw the job posting for a skating coach here last year, she jumped on it.
While moving to a new town where she knew no one was difficult, Michaluk discovered a supportive skating community.
“It’s such an awesome group of kids and parents,” she said.
The skaters had their first competition a couple weeks ago and are preparign for their Christmas Show.
The Holiday performance is scheduled for Dec. 14 at 6 p.m. at the Forum. Everyone is welcome to attend.
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