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Beaver Valley Skating Club: Skaters look to land lap-a-thon

The Beaver Valley Skating Club (BVSC) is getting prepped for a new season as it takes to the ice Friday for it’s annual lap-a-thon.

The Beaver Valley Skating Club (BVSC) is getting prepped for a new season as it takes to the ice Friday for it’s annual lap-a-thon and simulated competition at the Beaver Valley Arena.

The lap-a-thon is a fundraiser to help the team with expenses and the simulated competition will prepare figure skaters for the up-coming East Kootenay Invitational in Cranbrook next weekend.

Coach Liz Iannone says she wants to make the simulated competition as close to the real thing as they can possibly get, and has recruited three judges/evaluators in Jan Westbury, Linda Walker, and Myrna Reichmuth.

“We’ll even have a podium on the ice, and award (skaters) chocolate medals at the end of the competition.”

The simulation will see beginner and novice figure skaters perform the various elements with the evaluators offering constructive advice on how to improve each skate.

The scenario has also proven a good way to get rid of the pre-skate jitters, and to make sure skaters are familiar with protocol and ready when it comes time to compete.

Rossland will host the West Kootenay Invitational Jan. 9-11, and the Kootenay championship will be held in Fernie Jan. 30 to Feb. 1.

This year the club boasts 65 skaters ranging in age from as young as three to adults. Skaters start with pre-Can Skate lessons, moving through the Can Skate program into the Rising Star and Star programs. The numbers are a healthy boost from last year, and keeps the BVSC’s three coaches and 12 program assistants busy but engaged, and enjoying every minute.

“It’s awesome,” says Iannone. “It’s a lot of work, but it’s great to see so many kids out.”

The lap-a-thon goes Friday at the Beaver Valley Arena starting at 4 p.m. with the simulated competition going at 5 p.m. The public is invited to come out and support the BVSC.



Jim Bailey

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