FRIENDS OF FIGURE SKATING
For 15 years, Friends of Figure Skating (FOFS) has supported figure skaters of all ages, from Team USA all the way to those in Learn to Skate USA. Friends of Figure Skating also comes with membership benefits such as a subscription to SKATING, tickets to the FOFS breakfasts for Skate America and the U.S. Championships, U.S. Figure Skating apparel and much more. Today, we Focus on Friends and share the story of one of our generous donors.
Linda Ogawa is a blue-level member and longtime Friend of Figure Skating. The moth- er of Elyse Matsumoto — a former junior-lev- el ice dancer and now the youngest national judge at 26 — Ogawa has a funny story of how she started skating. Linda took up skating to see if it really was as difficult as her daughter told her it was. During her first les- son, she slipped and suffered a concussion. Despite the setback, Linda fell in love with the sport and started ice dance lessons, and Elyse soon followed after seeing how much her mother enjoyed it. Linda credits the many great mentors within the figure skating community for her and her daughter’s love
FOCUS ON FRIENDS Linda Ogawa of Reno, Nevada
and success within the sport. Outside the rink, Ogawa has been a chair of the Parents Committee and Program Development Committee for U.S. Figure Skating, while also giving as much time as she can back to Peninsula Skating Club in California.
WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO BE A FRIEND OF FIGURE SKATING? I started as a Friend because of watching my daughter and the other skaters and wanting to support them. I really know how much it costs for these skaters to pursue their dreams. Now I know a lot of the skaters and I really enjoy following them.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FIGURE SKAT- ING MOMENT?My first Championships in Portland where Michelle Kwan won had to be my favorite moment. It was not only great to see her live, but it was so exciting to share the moment with my daughter. Last year, seeing the ShibSibs winning was amazing as well; I felt it was a defining moment for them.”
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PERK/BENEFIT OF BEING A FOFS?Definitely going to the breakfasts and being able to congratulate
the athletes. It’s good for them to know how many people support them.
WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE SKATER OF ALL TIME AND WHY?Michelle Kwan is my favor- ite because she truly embraced skating and understood that there was more to compet- ing than winning. Her grace and poise when she didn’t win always stuck with me.
To join Friends of Figure skating, visit
www.friendsoffigureskating.com or call 719.228.3424 to support U.S. Figure Skating and make a difference in the lives of your favorite skaters.
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