A new season of figure skating holds plenty of promise for close to 50 youths who registered this year with the 100 Mile House Figure Skating Club.
They hit the ice all this week for the start of lessons and in anticipation of a year-end carnival that is slated for March.
Club president Jen Plewes says she is thrilled about hosting the biannual carnival, which will take on a Disney Toy Story type theme.
“We’re always trying to make things bigger and better for the club. We’re hoping the carnival will be the icing on the cake for us this year.”
The club has three certified coaches on staff this season, including veterans Rachael Lindberg and La Vern Howard and newcomer Mandolyn Houriet, who is a former club skater. Houriet spent the past few years on the Lower Mainland, training and competing on the figure skating circuit.
One senior club skater who is working on certification will also assist with coaching.
The club is still taking registrations and Plewes says they have dropped the $40 late charge.
“The executive has decided that with the economic times the way they are, there are families who could not afford this if they have to pay an extra $40 on top of registration. We want as many kids [as possible] to enjoy the opportunity to skate and we’re willing to do almost anything to get skaters out there.”
The club offers lessons for beginners through to private lessons for competitive skaters.
The club’s major fundraiser auction takes place on Oct. 21 at Creekside Seniors Centre with a lasagna dinner, live auction, door prizes and raffle draws for two spectacular prizes.
Raffle tickets will be sold only at the auction for a set of four Canucks game tickets, with accommodation in Vancouver and a $200 Visa gift card. Another prize of a trip for two for three days in Las Vegas with flight and accommodation is also on the line.
Raffle tickets will be sold for $20 each.
There is a limit of 140 dinner/auction tickets to be sold at $25 each and they are available at 100 Mile Sport Shop, Pharmasave, Donex, Didi’s and by contacting Plewes at 250-706-7212.