Twelve Kimberley Skaters from the North Star Skating Club participated in the East Kootenay Invitational Competition held in Cranbrook over the Dec 5-7 weekend. Those skaters entered 26 events and came home with 10 gold, 9 silver and two bronze medals. The senior skaters compete against other skaters from the region at various levels, they were, Zoe Marina (2 gold, 1 silver), Bianca Marina (2 gold, 2 silver), Emily Newel ( 2 gold), Hannah Doerkson (2 gold, 1 silver), Sydney Wilson (1 gold, 1 silver) and Molly Miller ( 1 silver). The junior skaters are ranked amongst others at the same level; achieving Gold was Ella Wilkinson, Silver; Jackson Wilkinson, Makayli Wilkinson, Kana Dolgopol, Bronze; Adrian Moody and Charlize Du Preez.
Held at the same time was a Regional Test Day. Skaters are evaluated as they perform various tests, which could be a dance, free skate, an interpretive number or skills at different levels. If they pass they move on to the next level in the various disciplines. Eight skaters were evaluated in 25 tests, several at the gold level, 20 passed.
Parents, the skating executive and coaches Tamara Bannatyne and Megan Newel are very proud of the dedication these skaters show and the levels they have achieved. The skaters are usually on the ice 3-5 times a week; their commitment certainly shines through during these events.
Skaters will be traveling to Fernie and Rossland in the New Year for another competition and test day.
The Cranbrook Skating Club hosted the event with assistance from a number of Kimberley parents. We would like to thank Cranbrook for hosting such a successful weekend.