Cosmopolitan, Powell River’s adult synchronized skating team, recently competed in its first-ever competition. The Skate Canada BC/Yukon 2019 Mountain Synchro took place in Richmond, BC January 25 to 27. It was a new experience for most of the team, according to team member Rachelle Ford.
“I would say that 95 per cent of our team has never competed in synchronized skating before,” she said.
The group was formed in late 2017, and was initially coached by Sheila Paquette. In 2018 they committed to training for the regionals, however, Paquette and her family relocated to Edmonton in December, leaving the group to coach themselves during the final push leading up to competition. As first time competitors, the group excelled, added Ford.
“It was quite something for us to do what we did without actually having a coach,” she said. “It was very eye-opening because for the amount of time we spent on the ice, which was at tops an hour or two a week, and not a lot of off-ice time, we were definitely in the mix of placing.”
The group placed fifth overall and is enthusiastic to prepare for future events and boost membership.
“Moving forward it would be really cool if we could have 12 skaters,” said Ford. “There’s lots of skaters in Powell River, we just need to recruit them.”
