Club of the week - March 5

Southern Shore Figure Skating Club

We are a very small club, located on the Southern Shore. We currently have 31 active skaters, 6 of which are Junior Skaters. We have two professional coaches, Amanda and Amelia Vallis.

Over the last number of years we have seen our numbers decrease dramatically. Last year we had so few skaters in the CanSkate program that their fees did not cover our ice costs. As an executive we knew we either had to fold the club in September 2008 or figure out how to attract new skaters. At the end of last season we sent out a Parent Survey and recommendations were made with some implemented. We started with a marketing scheme, which was greatly assisted through the publication in a recreation brochure by the Bay Bulls to Bauline Recreation Committee. A website was created in conjunction with a dedicated email system to facilitate better information and communication lines. We also advertised with posters and sent emails.

With our member numbers still low we had to fund raise to offset the cost of the ice. It was felt if we increased the fees it would be to the detriment of those skaters already registered. We needed a good fund raiser to keep our club afloat. We approached the region and had tremendous support and in a very short time, The Southern Shore Christmas Skate was a reality.

It was the success our Club needed to continue to offer a skating program for the kids on the Southern Shore. The skate took place on Dec 6th, 2008 with a total of 106 skaters representing 9 clubs. We had skaters participating from CanSkate Level 5 right up to the Pre-novice ranking. We also had interpretive, skills and dance categories. Excellent feedback was received from both the skaters and their parents as well as the technical team which were instrumental in helping us run this successful event. Our intention is to make this an annual event! Joanie and I wish to extend our thanks to all those associated with this event which made it such a successful day!

Please e-mail a short piece and a couple of photos about your club to Dave Liverman for inclusion in this feature