Killarney Guide

Over 300 intrepid skaters gliding in this Saturday and Sunday to the Shamrock Centre

BY KIM LANGEN

With sharpened blades, shining hair, and gorgeous costumes, hundreds of talented skaters will be twirling into town tomorrow.

That’s because Killarney is the set destination for the prestigious 2020 Prairie Regional Synchronized Skating Championships, here at the Shamrock Centre, this Saturday and Sunday, February 1 and 2.

“It’s going to be so exciting,” said April Archambault, who is handling promotions and communications for the big event on behalf of hosts the Killarney Figure Skating Club. “It’s a huge event for our little club in Killarney. And we want to show them what we are all about.”

The local club, along with Skate Canada, will be jointly presenting the championship event, and more than 300 synchronized skaters, making up 29 teams, will be attending our small town from across Manitoba and Saskatchewan. 

It’s the second time in five years that Killarney has been selected for the championships, and it should be a terrific event for watchers and skaters alike.

And the winning teams, ranging from beginner to adult levels, will have a chance to move forward, said organizers. 

This weekend’s event offers competitors the opportunity to qualify for the Skate Canada Synchronized Skating Championships in Novice, Intermediate, Open, Junior, and Senior categories. 

For top teams, this in turn could lead to advancement to the National Skate Canada Synchronized Skating Championships, they said.

Tickets for the 2020 Prairie Regional Synchro Skating Championships will be available at the door, and are $10 for one day, or $18 for the weekend. Those aged six to 12 can get in for just $3, while those aged five and under get in free.

“This is a great opportunity to come out and see what synchronized skating is all about, while also supporting your local skating club and synchro teams,” Archambault added.

The Killarney Figure Skating Club has been kept very busy with preparations and is grateful for the many volunteer hands at work in our small community.

A detailed schedule is now available from the Skate Canada Manitoba website at https://mbskates.ca/competitions-3/prairie-regional-synchronized-skating-championships/.

READY FOR REGIONALS THIS SATURDAY AND SUNDAY – From left: Rachael Sawatsky, April Archambault, Kea Webb, and her mom Kim Webb hold up skating medals, which will be awarded to over 300 synchronized skaters this weekend at the Shamrock Centre in Killarney. Rachael and April are members of the Killarney Figure Skating Club’s planning committee for the Prairie Regional Synchronized Skating Championships, Kim is the chair, and her daughter Kea is a member of the Gravity Pre-Novice team that will perform at the event.

REHEARSING FOR REGIONALS – The Beginner 2 Gravity Team practices their routine, which they’ll be performing this weekend at the Prairie Regional Synchronized Skating Championships at the Shamrock Centre.