Ontario Figure Skating Championship Set to Begin in Sudbury
Figure skating fans will be flocking to Sudbury this weekend to cheer on some of the best skaters in the province.
The 2016 Skate Ontario Championships will be taking place from March 18-20 at Country Side Arena. Opening ceremonies are slated for Friday, March 18 at 4:55 p.m. (skating starts at 2:00 p.m.) and the competition concludes on Sunday, March 20 at approximately 3:00 p.m.
Tickets can be purchased at Country Side Arena for the following:
- Adult ($6.00/Day)
- Seniors and Children ($4.00/Day)
- Children Under 5 (Free)
We had a chance to sit down with two of the athletes competing this weekend to find out how they prepare for a competition of this size and the reason why they love the sport.
Marina Depaolis
Hometown: Lively, ON
Years Figure Skating: 8
What have you done mentally, physically, or emotionally to prepare for this competition?
I skate four days a week at the Walden figure skating club. I also prepare mentally for competitions by focusing on confidence, believing in myself and focusing on the positives outcomes from my free skate program. If I go into a competition with a negative mindset or strictly focus on the technical aspects of my skating I don’t perform to the best of my abilities.
Do you have any goals you are looking to achieve at this competition?
My goal for this competition is to have a clean skate and to feel proud of myself after I skate.
What are you most looking forward to at the competition?
I’m looking forward to being a part of the Skate Canada Northern Ontario team and receiving the team jackets. I am also excited to compete, watch all the amazing skaters and cheer on the skaters representing my skating club.
What do you like most about skating?
I like the feeling of happiness and reward when I complete a challenging jump or spin, validating that all my hard work and effort has paid off. I also like how my skating friends can motivate me and encourage me to be the best skater I can be.
Danyka Piquette
Hometown: Verner, ON
Years Figure Skating: 11
What have you done mentally, physically, or emotionally to prepare for this competition?
Physically I’ve been training hard off ice and on ice all season long so my body / muscle memory knows what to do. I don’t really have a mental strategy but when I’m nervous I will most likely perform better. When I compete I usually like to skate either last or in the middle of the flight this gives an opportunity to mentally prepare myself after my warm up.
Do you have any goals you are looking to achieve at this competition?
At Skate Ontario Championships I’m looking for a top five placement in my category. This goal is realistic for me since I’m currently in a sixth place ranking in my category. I will need to have the skate of my life to ensure a top five finish.
What are you most looking forward to at the competition?
I’m looking forward to represent Northern Ontario at the competition. I’m a little sad that this is going to be my last time attending the Skate Ontario Championships since this is my last year competing juvenile. However, I am looking forward to moving on to a bigger step in my skating life.
What do you like most about skating?
When I’m on the ice everything else disappears, all of my negative thoughts and emotions fade away, and I instantly feel joyous and happy.
For more information about the 2016 Skate Ontario Championships and to see the official competition schedule, click here www.skateontario.org/events/skate-ontario-championships
Phil Howard
Phil Howard is a Business Communications graduate, avid sports fan and outdoor enthusiast. The New England Patriots are his favourite team and in the summer, he can be found on the baseball field at Terry Fox.
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