(September 3, 2004)

Ever wonder what skating judges do in their spare time? More judging? Well, one Skate Canada judge does just that – but with a twist. Nicole Roch of Boucherville, Que. takes to the outdoors to judge international fireworks competitions.

Nicole Roch received the 2003 Skate Canada Officials Award of Excellence L-R: Skate Canada Chairman of the Board Marilyn Chidlow, Valerie Marcoux, Nicole Roch, Craig Buntin

This summer, Nicole was part of a special jury at La Coupe du Monde SAQ International Fireworks Competition in Montreal. As part of the event’s 20th anniversary, the first-ever Platinum Jupiter competition was held in which eight previous Gold Jupiter trophy winners displayed their daring, talent and creativity.

Nicole, a skating judge since 1983, says her experience judging synchronized skating was an asset.

“Each presentation is marked on the quality of display, pyromusical concept, synchronization, and general appreciation of the overall presentation – very similar to synchronized skating,” says Roch. “Judging skating helped me in appreciating the spectacular images that these artists paint with light and fire in the night sky.”