MORAY’S POSITION AS the home of one of the UK’s best figure skating clubs has been reinforced after members returned with another clutch of medals from a major national event.
Last weekend the club sent another strong team of skaters to the Magnum Open events in Ayrshire – and they returned clutching an amazing six gold, three silver and two bronze medals.
Sisters Ruby and Vivienne Boyd took gold and silver in the level 3 ladies event in a field of 19 skaters from all over the UK.
Elgin pair Ruby (11) and Vivienne (13) each performed a two-minute routine comprising high quality jumps, spins, steps and other movements to claim the top two spots.
Rowena Mackessack-Leitch won golds in both the free program and short program competitions in the level 10 ladies. Rowena, along with teammate Shelby Simmers, has been selected to represent GB in a major forthcoming international event in Hungary.
Kingston’s Emily Dale won the level 4 ladies competition amongst a field of 18, whilst Lossiemouth’s Charlotte Wright won her first national gold in the level 1 ladies 12 years and over event in a field of 26 – with teammate Ellyn Smith from Buckie winning bronze.
Another Lossiemouth skater, Emily Lawson, also won her first national gold against 18 competitors in the beginner ladies 13 years and over event.
Moray club has been leading the way for several yearsEmma Marandola won silver in the level 1 ladies 11 years and under competition with Natasha Morrison also winning silver in the beginner ladies 11 and 12 years event. A bronze was won by Alex Wilson in the level 1 men’s competition.
Jim Parkinson from Elgin took a bronze medal in the beginner mens event – he is coached by Rowena Mackessack-Leitch.
Madison Mitchell and Elysia Glass narrowly missed out on medal positions in their events and strong performances were also given by Shelby Simmers, Rebecca and Chloe Thom, Kirstin and Lauren Macdonald, Megan Keddie, Louise McMann, Kirsty Imlach, Philippa Adams, Fern Smith and India Hay.
The skaters are all coached by brother-and-sister coaching duo Sue Summers-Farrell and Graeme Summers. As former championship medallists and international-level competitors themselves, they run Moray Skating Academy which works together with Moray Skating Club.
The club is currently running a recruitment drive for new members and is looking for people of all ages and abilities, including people who have never skated before.
Graeme said: “We’re looking for children and adults of any age and ability, including raw beginners who have never skated. Our friendly team of coaches and volunteers will help you with your first steps on the ice, and your first visit is completely free with no obligation.”
The award-winning club is one of the most successful in the country and runs the skateUK programme – that is the official learn-to-skate programme of the sport’s national governing body, the National Ice Skating Association.
The club is also currently looking for sponsors to ensure it can continue its success.
Learn-to-skate sessions are held every Saturday from 10.45 to 1.15 and this includes a 30-minute group lesson. For more details contact Mike on 07974 387326 or simply come along on the day.