State Games of America deadline approaching
Figure skating is traditionally one of the most popular events at the State Games of America (SGA), and orga- nizers expect another strong fi eld of competitors. SGA 2015 promises to be the largest Olympic-style sports festival this year; registration for fi g- ure skaters who have qualifi ed is open through May 15.
SGA 2015, organized by the Nebraska Sports Council, is set for July 28–Aug. 2 in Lincoln and Omaha, Neb. Figure skating events will take place in Oma- ha, and Figure Skating Director Josh Murphy expects them to be one of the showcase events of SGA 2015.
“We’ll be competing in a beautiful facility, and we’re excited for skaters from across the country to join us in Nebraska,” Murphy said.
Organizers of SGA 2015 expect 20,000 athletes to participate in more than 60 events. Information on eligibility and registration is available at
SGA2015.com.
Ice Den Scottsdale (Arizona) conducted a Basic Skills Team Competition in late March. A total of 96 participants demonstrated their newly learned skills in a team environment. “They were all excited to receive a team award,” Ice Den Director of Skating and Programing Julie Patterson said. “It was such a great day and the crowd went wild on the victory lap to “We Are the Champions.”
The Detroit >>>>
Skating Club (DSC) conducted its third annu- al weekend-long Spring In Synch camp at the end of March. A total of 50 skaters participated, as did Olym- pic and World athletes and coaches. U.S. champions Jeremy Abbott and Alissa Czisny donated their time to help the young skaters improve their skills and have fun on the ice. They were joined by DSC Evolution coaches Brooke Sloan and Courtney MacIntosh, and many other national and world-class skaters and coaches, including Craig Joeright, Ethan Burgess, Keiff er Hubbell, Matthew Blackmer, Jenny Gibson, Cindy Silk, Paul Bellantuono, Jacquelene Boucard and Laura Sienkowski. Skaters were divided into groups based on age and skill level. Team USA members led each group. “The weekend was devoted to inspiring a new generation of skaters to love skating,” Sloan said. The coaches worked with the skaters on and off the ice. Sessions were devoted to stroking and turns, elements, yoga, artistry on ice, spins, and other moves and elements. The weekend culminated with the skat- ers performing an exhibition with a program that they learned during the weekend. Parents were treated to two seminars titled “Where Synchro Can Take Your Skater” and heard from a U.S. judge for an in-depth seminar on the 6.0 and international judging systems.
HARMONY THEATRE COMPANY HARTLAND, MICHIGAN
When monitor Kathy Slack couldn’t make it to Hartland, Michigan, to critique the Har- mony Theatre Company’s programs, the group of 90 athletes from the Detroit area decided to surprise Slack in her hometown of Troy, Ohio, four hours away. Harmony was preparing for the Nations Cup Ballet on Ice 2015 Interclub Competition in Paris, France, at the end of April and wanted Slack’s ex- pert opinion. Patrick O’Neil, working with Harmony coach Michelle Hunt, orchestrated the surprise by contacting Slack’s son, Sean Slack, a week prior to the arrival of the Har- mony teams. Thanks to the clever scheme, Kathy arrived at the rink completely clue- less, shocked and excited. “These athletes love Kathy and very much wanted her to see what all their hard work and dedication had created. We are thrilled to have been able to pull off this surprise for her,” O’Neil said.
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