Teams of synchronized skaters from Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador are about to compete in the Eastern Regional Festival of Synchronized Skating in Charlottetown, February 9 -11. When all the skaters are counted there are more than 700 participants, many of whom will have family and friends in the stands cheering them on.
“We’re very excited about the skating competition taking shape for the coming weekend and most impressed by the size of the event,” noted Honourable Philip Brown, Minister of Tourism for P.E.I. “This is a significant influx of visitors to the Island providing significant economic impact to winter tourism for 2006. With a majority of teams ‘from away,’ I wish the warmest welcome to all skaters, their friends and families, coaches and judges to the event, and I encourage Islanders to get out and cheer for our home teams.”
The event promises to be very entertaining and all competitions are open to the public. Opening ceremonies are scheduled for 2:00 p.m., Friday, February 10 at MacLauchlan Arena and medal presentations are to take place on Saturday, February 11 at approximately 2:30 p.m. Of note, this is a qualifying event for three of the divisions - adult, junior and novice - who will move on to compete at the National Festival of Synchronized Skating being held in March in Hamilton, Ontario.
To cheer on the P.E.I. teams, check out the pre-novice event at 6:15 p.m., Friday where four Island teams compete against teams from New Brunswick and Quebec. The Island Figure Skating Club teams include: Fire on Ice, Cornwall; Ice Illusion, Sherwood-Parkdale; The Rockettes, Charlottetown; and the Feet of Flames, Evangeline. On Saturday, the pre-juvenile event at 8:15 a.m. showcases three Island teams competing against Nova Scotia and Quebec. These three teams include Island Figure Skating Clubs: O’Leary Kool Kids, O’Leary; O’Leary Blossoms, O’Leary; and the Ice Crystals, Evangeline. The juvenile event which follows that day at 9:20 a.m. includes one Island team, the Ice Fusion, Sherwood-Parkdale, against teams from New Brunswick and Quebec.
“I’m pleased to see the event come together so well and I’m sure that the skaters and all those involved will have a great time competing here on Prince Edward Island,” noted Minister Brown. “I look forward to welcoming participants, families, and friends back to P.E.I. for future vacations and competitions in Synchronized Skating.”