Skaters with the Ponoka Skate Club had a chance to try out some of their routines in front of family and friends Friday, Dec. 12.
Rather than ask for money to attend, the club asked attendees to bring food items to be donated to the Ponoka Food Bank, explained Charity Stacey, club president. They call it their Charity Skate in an effort to help out during the holiday season, which sees a great need for food donations to families and individuals who cannot afford to buy their own groceries.
The Charity Skate also gives young skaters a chance to try out their moves. “It’s a chance for the girls to do their programs before competition season starts.”
“It’s a good chance for them to let the community see what they’re doing,” added Stacey.
Starting in January, the girls will be skating in and out of competition across the province; the Charity Skate gives them a chance to make mistakes and learn from them in an event that does not have the pressure of a competition.
“It’s a good chance for them to get used to performing in front of a crowd,” said Stacey.
The club has a strong number of skaters with six coaches on the roster. In recent years, the club has also received some acclaim as two skaters — Mallory Rausch and Skye Whitford — both competed and won medals in recent Alberta Winter Games.