Ice sports don’t need body checks to be entertaining.
The Vancouver Island Regional Skating Championships takes to the ice of the Archie Browning Sports Centre in Esquimalt this weekend where many of the Island’s top figure skaters hit the ice for the right to be called the Island’s best.
It’s the first time the Racquet Club of Victoria has hosted the Island regionals.
“We are going to see the best of the best on the Island,” said Malcolm Rohon, who skates with the Raquet Club. “Good singles skaters, amazing jumps – and the dance teams that are going to be really fun to watch.”
The 23-year-old skater and coach has donned the skates since age seven and competed nationally and internationally as an ice dancer. He says the combination of athleticism and artistry of figure skating is second to none.
“I want to show how dynamic the sport is, how artistic it is,” Rohon said. “Personally, I hope to impress with the height in my jumps.”
More than 280 competitors will take to the ice Feb. 8-10 in different skating events, from singles and pairs free skates, to ice dance and elements where competitors from five to 45 show off their hard work and dedication.
“In our sport we try to make things look easy, but when we make it look easy, people don’t know how much work it is and how much practice it is to make a jump,” Rohon said. “It takes hundreds, if not thousands of times before they have landed it.”
“The main thing we are trying to do is to get more people to watch and support the kids. The more people there are, the more energy there is, and that is good for (them),” said Deena Beacom, the Racquet Club director of skating and a participant. “It is exhilarating. It will be fun for anyone who comes.”
Competition starts 8 a.m. daily and entry is by donation. For more information check out skatinginbc.com.
alim@vicnews.com