Successful Ice Skating Championships Held in Cape Town

The Western Province Figure Skating Association (WPFSA) partnered with the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport and others to host the Cape Inter-Provincial Figure Skating Championships from 12 to 14 October 2012. Hundreds of supporters visited the Ice Station at Grand West to see some of the country’s best ice skaters perform. Skaters between the ages of ten and 22 competed in solo and group events in this year’s championship which was adjudicated by judges from all over South Africa. Western Province was again crowned overall provincial winner.

Ms Dawn Van Der Riet of WPFSA was pleased with the overall standard of performances at this year’s event. She complimented the organisers, judges and skaters alike for their contribution to its success.

The sport is growing in the Western Cape. This year, Western Province entered five synchronised skating teams, each comprising 16 skaters, a significant increase on the two teams entered in 2011. During the International Selection meeting which took place after the championships, the results of this competition and those from the National Championships held in May 2012 were used to rate skaters for possible participation in the 2013 World Championships.

The outcome of this year’s championships proved that the department and its partners have succeeded in developing ice skating in the Western Cape. The next major skating event in Cape Town will again be held at the Ice Station in May 2013.

Photos supplied by Tiana Stanton.