UNITY - Unity Skating Club held their annual ice carnival showcasing skaters’ skills choreographed into a variety of numbers for all ages of performers. The theme was “One Hit Wonders” and included a lavish backdrop and colourful costumes to go with each number performed.
The carnival was an opportunity to thank and recognize long-time Canskate coach Colleen Smith, who is retiring from the Canskate program after 25 years.
“I have really enjoyed teaching Canskate over the years,” Smith says. “I've taught a lot of awesome kids and worked with some incredible program assistants. It's their help with the program over the years that has made it so successful.”
Smith will continue with the Unity Skating Club working with senior skaters.
“I am just glad she is not leaving the club entirely as she will still coach Star Skate program and senior skaters,” fellow skating coach Michelle Brown-McLean said.
“As for her leaving the Canskate coaching position, it is hard to see her go as she leaves behind big shoes to fill.”
In her presentation, it was noted that Smith has seen generations of Canskaters through the program, some who are parents of the littlest skaters now.
As a lifelong figure skater, Smith started coaching Canskate at the age of 13, helping with her home Lloydminster Skating Club. In 1997, Smith moved to Unity with her husband Scott and as luck would have it, the club was seeking a coach, so it was a natural fit.
Another part of the program included medals to two Canskaters who show a true passion for skating and are bringing their best efforts to class each time they arrive.
Parker Mackay is eight years old and attends Grade 3 at St. Peter’s School. Parker has a goal to become a figure skater one day. The skater was noted for having the fastest running crossovers and coaches have ever seen.
Cameron Lewis is the other Canskate award winner. She is seven years old in Grade 1 at Unity Public School. This was Cameron’s first year of skating and she completed five of six Canskate badges.
The Unity Skating Club also highlighted their two graduating skaters, Emily Smith and Erika Bretzer, who have been with the club for many years right from Canskate to the senior program.
Audience members enjoyed the opportunity to watch the littlest skating stars perform their numbers while enthusiastically smiling and waving at the audience. Senior skaters had an opportunity to be part of solos, duets and group numbers performed. Forty-one Canskaers and 17 StarSkaters (senior participants) all were part of the performances of the 2023 Unity Skating Club Ice Carnival.
The annual ice carnival takes skating club executive and volunteers many hours rehearsing numbers, creating backdrops and costumes and setting up to create a celebratory and festive environment. This is the club’s biggest fundraiser of the year, and they are thankful for the community’s support in attendance and other purchases.
