Elvis Stojko will be gracing Oceanside Place this weekend. The three-time figure skating world champion and two-time Olympic silver medalist, however, will not be wowing the crowds with his electrifying triple axles or quads.
Stojko will be coming to Parksville to conduct Skate Canada Vancouver Island Region’s Annual Skater Development Seminar on Sept. 23 and 24. He will accompanied by his wife, former Mexican skating champion Gladys Orozco.
Organizer Judy Burwash said the region is looking forward to having another of of Canada’s most celebrated athletes come to Parksville to help the region’s young skaters.
“It’s going to be a great treat,” Burwash.
Every year, Skate Canada Vancouver Island invites a known figure skating celebrity for its annual seminar. Last year, it had former Olympian and world champion Kurt Browning here to conduct a clinic that drew 104 skaters.
“We try to bring to Vancouver Island an opportunity for our skaters to be able to learn from somebody who certainly had the experience at the world and international level,” said Burwash. “It’s a good idea for them to do that. They will not only learn from an experienced skater but also get to skate with their peers in a learning situation.”
This coming weekend, Burwash said, the clinic will have only 74 skaters. That’s because the organization has changed the level this year than in the past.
“It’s for Star 4 and higher-level skaters,” said Burwash. “We are going to have representatives from 14 of the clubs that are registered with us.”
Star 4 level skaters are required to achieve eight elements in their skating routines. They include maximum six jumps, maximum two spins and one forward spiral sequence.
Burwash said they will have a few competitive skaters attending as well, although another seminar is being planned for them in April.
The seminar will be a whole day affair on Sept. 23. Stojko is expected to be meeting and talking with the local coaches, who will be assisting as well.
“His strength is definitely technical, so he would be focussing on the technique involved on the different types of jumps and share his technical knowledge,” said Burwash. “His wife will be doing other things and will be concentrating on field movements and edge quality.”