For Anderson Kaiser, last year’s Winter Olympics provided the inspiration to try something new.
The 15-year Orillia Secondary School student brought that inspiration to Rotary Place Saturday as a part of the Orillia Figure Skating Club’s 2019 Carnival.
“It’s really fun and I’m always learning new things,” the Grade 10 student said. “When I watched the Olympics, I really wanted to try it.”
While the Olympics were held in South Korea, the theme for Saturday’s two shows celebrated the British Invasion with skaters of all ages and abilities showing off their talents by performing to songs ranging from Wham’s Wake Me Up Before You Go Go to the Beatles’ Yellow Submarine.
Now in its 68th year, the non-profit organization holds a show every second year as a way to celebrate its skaters’ accomplishments and make a bit of money to offset ice-time costs.
Brynn Warnaar, a Grade 6 student at Guthrie Public School, said she loves figure skating and everything that comes with it.
“It’s so much fun,” the 11-year-old said, noting she’s skated for the past five years.
“We get to do different things and skate with friends. We also get to act. During my showcase (today), I really have to show my attitude.”
Laura Csumrik, who skated with the club prior to becoming one of its coaches, said skating is not only about grace and athleticism.
“They make new friends, but also learn all sorts of things,” she said. “They learn about teamwork, discipline and how to learn from their mistakes. As well, it’s a lot of fun.”
Parents were also enthused by the many positives their children enjoy thanks to figure skating.
“They love it,” said Sandy Wink, whose 10-year-old daughter Sadie Armstrong now skates with the club that was once home to her 17-year-old son Evan Serra, who skated competitively until Grade 10.
“Skating taught him so much about being disciplined. It’s a lot of hard work and he loved the competition.”
Leslie Woodley, whose 10-year-old daughter Megan has skated for seven years, sits on the club’s board of directors.
“The Orillia Figure Skating Club is probably one of the best clubs we’ve ever been involved with,” Woodley said, noting many of the skaters, including her daughter have Olympic dreams.
“They’re big dreamers and enjoy the competitions. The skaters also get lots of ice time here and we have all the programs.”
Those programs range from the beginner pre-Can level to highly- competitive skating and features participants involved with Special Olympics.
As well, Woodley noted a shorter spring session will soon begin, which provides a great opportunity for those interested in trying out the sport.
She added: “We’re always accepting registrations.”
