(April 20, 2004)
All 13 Sections were represented at the 2004 National STARSkate Championships. This event was held in conjunction with the 2004 Adult Championships and the 2004 Skate Canada - BC-YT High School Invitational.
There were 40 entries at the 2004 STARSkate Championships, with a notable increase in the men’s events to eight skaters.
For many of these skaters, it was the first time they will have the opportunity to represent their Section at a national event.
William Lindsay, who represented Skate Canada - Western Ontario and won the gold medal in the Gold Men’s Triathlon, was thrilled about the experience.
“Stepping on national ice for the first time was a surreal experience,” says Lindsay. “Being able to represent my Section at a national event was a dream that I have always had.”
The event began with a skater’s meet and greet, giving the athletes the opportunity to meet fellow competitors in a social atmosphere. Athletes supported one another throughout the event and made lasting friendships, as indicated by one STARSkater who said that, “I had a great experience on the ice and had an extra bonus of coming home with 13 new friends and e-mail addresses.”
The Triathlon event requires skaters to explore three areas of STARSkate – Skating Skills, Interpretive and Free Skate.
“With each event portion equally weighted, skaters are training to improve these three areas of their skating,” says Jackie Stell-Buckingham, Skating Programs Director.
In the creative skating skills exercise, Stell-Buckingham notes that “skaters are pushing their skills to the max to create intricate turns and edges that have been learned in the skating skills program.”
These skills were transferred over into the free skate event with impressive choreography on the ice.
The Biathlon saw four teams vying for top place, including similar and mixed couples. Teams performed two compulsory dances, as well as a creative dance.
New to the event this year was the Section STARSkate Award, which was awarded to the Section with the highest number of points. The points are calculated based on the number of Sections entered in the event. The winner of this year’s award was Skate Canada - Quebec with a total of 87 points. See complete results. Go to the Photo Gallery to see photos of the event.
The conclusion of the event had STARSkaters attending off-ice workshops, including a dry land training workshop with Skate Canada Coach Consultant, Gennady Kaskov.
If you have any questions about these events or hosting similar Adult or High School events, please contact Skate Canada at skatecanada@skatecanada.ca.