The 22nd Mexican National Figure Skating Championships took place November 12-17, in Guadalajara, Mexico. Skate Canada’s Divisional level judge for Singles and Senior Sectional level judge for Dance and Pairs Patty Klein and Skate Canada’s Officials Programs Manager and Canadian level Technical Specialist for Singles and former ISU Technical Specialist for Singles Norm Proft were invited to officiate.

A true cultural experience for the Canadian officials, the event was held at the Ice Land Skating Rink, centrally located on Avenida de Mexico, amidst bustling shops and restaurants.

A grassroots operation, the event was a very unique experience for the Canadian officials in attendance. Involved with the event from start to finish, they assembled the panel and learned to cope with the sub-optimal skating conditions.

Apart from the environmental obstacles, the caliber of skating did not disappoint. The competition included 350 competitors representing various provinces throughout Mexico, from the novice, junior, and senior divisions. The talent was obvious to the Canadian officials, who enjoyed the Latin flare incorporated into the performances and interpretations.

Everyone involved, the skaters, coaches, volunteers and the Mexican Federation, were very warm and inviting. Skate Canada is hopeful this experience will initiate reciprocal opportunities between both national federations in the future.

From left to right: Mexican National Technical Specialist for Singles in training; Nancy Garcia – Mexican National Technical Specialist for Singles and former Mexican National Women’s Champion; Norm Proft – Officials Programs Manager Skate Canada, Canadian Level Technical Specialist for Singles and former ISU Technical Specialist for Singles; Nadia Delgado – Mexican National Technical Specialist for Singles in training; Riccardo Olavarrieta – ISU Technical Specialist for Singles; Patty Klein – Divisional Level Skate Canada Judge for Singles, Senior Sectional Level Skate Canada Judge for Dance and Pairs; and Ariadna Morones Negrete – Mexican International Judge for Singles and Pairs