Recognition for hard work in any sport can be an honour, especially for a young athlete who is just starting to develop her skills.
For figure skater Keyana Rawji, 6, that recognition came in the form of a CanSkate Athlete Award for the Central Region in Alberta. Coach Donna Horlock said Rawji was chosen because of significant achievement and personal growth in the sport this year.
“She’s already talking about skating next year,” said Horlock.
“She’s a great little skater. She’s always willing to try new things…She is always excited to be there,” added Horlock.
Rawji’s name and accomplishments will now be sent to the Alberta/Northwest Territory/Nunavut region and if her name wins there, it will be forwarded to the national level for judging.
For Rawji, winning the award was exciting and it made her happy. “Happy because it was my first time winning it.”
She has developed a strong love for the sport and is eager to complete certificates that will allow her to take her helmet off. Rawji enjoys the experience of learning new techniques and is proud of her new skill of being able to bunny hop; this is the act of gliding on one skate, hopping and landing on the same skate.
“It’s fun because you get to learn new things that you can do on the ice,” said Rawji.
She is working on upgrading her technique to complete all the skills badges that CanSkate offers. She is grateful to her coaches for their training.-