The start of the school year also brings the return of the skating season for many young Monctonians

A14

by Paul Merrigan
This Week Staff

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Although the warm days of summer are still upon us, old man winter is just around the corner.

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For young people who love to skate, local figure skating clubs have the answer.

For some it means the dreaded feeling that comes with shovelling mounds of snow, shorter days and of course, considerably colder temperatures.

For others, such as members of the Mariposa-Moncton Skating Club, fall and winter mark the beginning of their season and a return to the local rinks.

"We will have about 150 students with the programs that we're offering," explains Joanne White, Skating Coach and Administrator with the Mariposa-Moncton Skating Club.

"The younger skaters start as young as age three and the figure skaters and power skaters will stay with us until they're 17 or 18."

The time commitment for the skaters varies both with age, experience and dedication of the skaters.

"Younger skaters are usually on the ice for a couple of hours a week while the figure skaters can be on the ice up to 15 hours a week and do more training off the ice as well," explains Joanne. "The off ice training, such as cardio and strength training is encouraged, because it helps them in any sport that they're involved with."

Like other area clubs, the Mariposa-Moncton Skating Club has seen an increase in interest over the past few seasons.

"Over the last few years our programs have all seen a lot of growth," explains Joanne. "A large part of that growth is seen with the younger skaters which bodes well for the future."

While the majority of skaters within the club participate to keep fit, the club does have goals for all of it's athletes.

"Our goal is to develop the athletes to their capability, for the kids to have fun and to learn to skate as well," says Joanne.

"We have had some senior skaters that have gone to nationals and hopefully will make it back there this year and we have a lot of up and coming skaters as well."

The Preschool, Learn to Skate and Jump Start programs for children age three and up are excellent preparation for skating in general, speed skating, hockey, ringuette and figure skating while the Junior Power and Canpower Skate programs are particularly tailored with skating sports, such as hockey in mind.

All programs for the Mariposa Moncton Skating Club take place at the Tim Horton's Four Ice Centre in Moncton. For more information on the programs being offered this fall or on the Club in general, you can visit their website at http://www.mariposamoncton.ca, e-mail mariposa@nb.sympatico.ca or call the office at 853-7571.