The Sundre Skating Club’s members recently got a chance to demonstrate the skills they’ve developed this year during the annual ice carnival.
“It seemed to go off without a hitch,” said club president Lamar Tobin, adding there was a good turnout at the Sundre Arena on Monday, March 18 for the season windup event.
This year’s theme was Barn Dance and featured 11 performances from about 45 skaters ranging from the beginner CanSkate program up to the more advanced STARSkate level, said Tobin, who has been involved with the non-profit organization for about six years.
From left, Carlee Clark, Emily Luzi and Brooke Tobin perform to the song Redneck Girl. Noel West/MVP Staff
A 50/50 draw as well as a raffle table boasting a variety of prizes donated by local people and businesses helped raise a little more than $400 after expenses, she said.
Those proceeds are all reinvested in the club and help to cover costs such as ice time, coaches, as well as costumes and decorations for the ice carnival, she said.
“Whatever is needed for the club is what that money helps to pay for.”
Carlee Clark, left, and Zoey Skage carry flags around the arena during the singing of O Canada at the start of the Sundre Skating Club’s presentation of Barn Dance.
With the 2018-19 season now wrapped up, Tobin reflected on the past year as a successful one that saw the club’s number of skaters increase by about 10.
“Our STARSkate program did really well,” she added.
“We had two competitions this year.”
One event was in Olds while the other was in Cremona. Four skaters from Sundre’s club brought home gold medals, as well as several silvers, from those tournaments, she said.
“All of our students have come a long way.”
From left: Reina Mills, Axle Dahlman and Emmersyn Vogel perform a group piece to the song The Band. Noel West/MVP Staff
Tobin said she enjoys the opportunity to observe the developmental growth young skaters experience from the time they can barely stand on their skates to the point they excitedly show off the moves they’ve learned during the carnival.
Meanwhile, the older girls are tested at the end of each year to determine the level they’re in, and Tobin said they’ve improved as well.
“I just enjoy watching the kids progress and cheering them on when they do competitions,” she said, adding that being involved in an aspect of the community is also rewarding.
“That’s what makes it for me,” said Tobin, who before assuming the club’s presidency had also served as vice-president.
A group of skaters performed as the Backwood Beauties to Dolly Parton’s song Better Get to Livin’. Noel West/MVP Staff
Completely run by volunteers, the club benefits immensely from parents and businesses who are willing to pitch in to make the program possible in the first place, she said.
“We just appreciate the community’s support and all of the people who donate for our prizes.”
Looking ahead to next year, Tobin anticipates a similar season with a continued focus on making improvements wherever possible, including the possibility of competing in more events.
Given the chance, Tobin said she would like to host a local skating competition that brings other clubs to Sundre. With enough volunteers, she is confident the local group could pull off such a feat.
“That would be ideal.”
A group of skaters performs to the song Cotton Eye Joe. Noel West/MVP Staff
