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Synchronized skating program set to launch at Mariposa School

New program provides an opportunity for local athletes to train with world-class coaches
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NEWS RELEASE
MARIPOSA INTERNATIONAL TRAINING CENTRE
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The Mariposa School of Skating, known for attracting and producing international and Olympic figure skaters, is now offering synchronized skating to its list of figure skating disciplines.

The skating school, owned by David Islam and Paul Matheson, currently offers expert training in figure skating (singles, dance and pairs) and hockey skating development. Synchronized skating will further expand their offerings, providing “skating excellence for all."

Synchronized skating is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, and Canada is considered a world-leader in this discipline. It involves a team of skaters performing as one unit, executing circles, blocks, lines, wheels and intersections in unison to music. Teams at various levels compete at regional, national and world championships.

Lead coach Nicole Rodgers Hankin is no stranger to elite-level synchronized skating having competed at multiple World Championships with Burlington’s senior team, Nexxice.

Rodgers Hankin started her synchronized skating career with the Barrie Royal Blades more than 20 years ago and is excited to bring youth teams back to Barrie.

“Synchronized skating is a life-long positive sport experience that teaches responsibility, builds confidence and provides the opportunity for athletes to learn the benefits of hard work, teamwork, and respect for themselves and each other,” said Rogers Hankin.

“Bringing a strong and resilient youth program back to Barrie with focused training and collaborative efforts with the Mariposa School of Skating will allow skaters a chance to reach their full potential while also gaining essential skills they can use in all aspects of their lives; all while having fun!”

Mariposa launches their new synchro program April 13 by hosting a specialized synchronized skating development program offering skaters from around the region an opportunity to improve their synchro skating skills by training with world class coaches at the Mariposa School of Skating.

Coaches include: Nicole Rodgers Hankin - Two-time world medallist, three-time national gold medallist, five-time national medallist, and Barrie Hall of Fame inductee (2010) Mitch Islam – Former Olympian, world ice dance medallist and multiple national ice dance medallist Kelly Johnson - Former Olympian, world competitor, multiple junior world medallist, and renowned choreographer to national, international and Olympic medallists Mariposa is also building its own synchronized skating teams.

Skaters with and without synchronized skating experience will attend two placement sessions for ‘Team Mariposa’ in May to register and determine team placement for the 2019-2020 skating season.

Upcoming events: Spring Synchro Development Series Saturday, April 13 – 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Allandale Recreation Centre (Blue) Saturday, April 20 – 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., East Bayfield Arena (Purple) Saturday, April 27 – 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Allandale Recreation Centre (Blue) ‘Team Mariposa’ Tryouts Saturday, May 4 – 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. – East Bayfield Arena (Purple) Saturday, May 11 – 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. – Allandale Recreation Centre (Blue)

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