Before the Howie Meeker ice gives way for the summer, Oceanside Place has one major skating competition left to complete this spring.
The B.C.-Yukon Section Vancouver Island Super Series figure skating competition will take place April 6-8 at the arena in Parksville, with 570 skaters expected to compete in 620 events across the three days of action.
“Skaters are coming from all over the Island and further abroad, from all over B.C.,” said Robynne Shaw, the Vancouver Island Regional event co-ordinator. “The ages range from five years to 18 years.”
Skaters in the open competition will be competing to earn points that would be recognized at the B.C.-Yukon Section championships, and also potentially help them to earn funding toward further competition, said Shaw.
In addition to the skaters, the event will draw 50 officials, including at least two whose recent experience includes working at the recent Pyeongchang Winter Olympics in South Korea.
“At least one of the judges spent time at the Olympics,” said Shaw. “And the guy who’s coming over to do the music was the head music co-ordinator for the Olympic skating competition.”
A number of skaters from the local Sandy Shores Figure Skating Club will be among the competitors, and Shaw expected the club to supply many of the volunteers for the competition.
Admission to the event is by donation. Those unable to attend but who would like to catch some of the action may follow along online at www.skatinginbc.com, Shaw said.
Volunteers are always welcome, she added. To volunteer or for more info, contact Shaw at 250-927-0316 or robynne.shaw@gmail.com.
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