Over two hundred skaters, coaches, families and supporters filled the Paul J. Yakabuski Community Centre on February 2 when the Barry’s Bay and Area Figure Skating Club hosted an Interclub as part of 2019 Dream to Skate. The Interclub was sanctioned by Skate Ontario and six provincial officials were on hand to judge the young skaters as they competed in Star 1-4 group and solo classes. The Interclub is one of twelve Star 1-4 competitions being held across the province this season. Tressa Crevier, Chair – 2019 Dream to Skate Competition Committee, said this competition included 24 events with a few Special Olympics events. She pointed to participating clubs that came to the Madawaska Valley from Arnprior, Bancroft, Barry’s Bay and Area, Bobcaygeon, Deep River, Eganville, Fenelon Falls, Mattawa, Minden, Pembroke, Petawawa and Renfrew.
Despite a winter storm, skaters were on hand for an 8:00 a.m. start. Crevier said the opening ceremony included a moment of silence in memory of Terry Hoffman, the Zamboni driver who recently passed away. She said, “Terry was a big part of every skater in our Barry’s Bay and Area Skating Club and our community.”
Interclub organizers, helped by an army of volunteers, processed skaters and spectators efficiently. The canteen was busy all day long and every two hours another of the seven medal presentations was held in the upstairs lounge. Rosa Corsi-Etmanskie coordinated registration and vendors for a sale of sports and craft items by Interclub and local vendors in the lounge. Volunteer Joanne Olsen had received donations of fabulous prizes from more than 40 local sponsors and businesses so there were numerous prize draws both in the entrance lobby and the lounge. Crevier emphasized the Club’s deep appreciation of the tremendous support from businesses and individuals in the local community and from the municipality. The day finished with the excited and tired participants tucking into a hearty Spaghetti Fundraiser for families and skaters.
Crevier said that as Chair of the Interclub, she was extremely proud of each skater. She said,
They all performed very well. Barry’s Bay and Area Skating Club rocked this Interclub. Great job, Everyone!
Ribbons won by Barry’s Bay and Area Figure Skating Club:
- Aimee Cybulskie – 2 Golds, 1 Silver, 1 Bronze
- Charlie Stoppa – 1 Gold, 1 Silver, 2 Bronze, and The Rita Barrette Memorial Trophy
- Emilia Sadecki – 1 Gold, 3 Silver
- Julia Sadecki – 2 Silvers, 1 Bronze
From left: Charlie Stoppa, Aimee Cybulskie (Photos Sharon Gardiner)
- Adelle McLeod – 1 Gold, 1 Silver, 3 Bronze , 1 Merit
- Noah MacMunn – 2 Silvers and 3 Bronze
- Shayla Yakabuskie – 3 Bronze, 1 Merit
- Kaylee Courneyea – 5 Bronze
From left: Theresa Prince, Faith Archer, Adelle McLeod; Emilia Sadecki, Charlie Stoppa
From left: Noah MacMunn; Lisa Piecarskie
- John Paul Shaw – 1 Silver, 1 Bronze
- Lisa Piecarskie – 3 Bronze
- Sophie Villeneuve – 2 Bronze
- Sarah Whyte – 1 Bronze, 1 Merit
John Paul Shaw, Sophie Villeneuve
- Alexis Pecarskie – 1 Bronze
- Madison Simpson – 1 Bronze
- Emily Villeneuve – 1 Bronze
Featured photo (submitted) of Barry’s Bay and Area Figure Skating Club. From left: Kayla Gilchrist (coach), Emilia Sadecki, John Paul Shaw. At rear on podium: Sarah Whyte, Madison Simpson, Alexis Pecarskie, Emily Villeneuve, Sophie Villeneuve, Lisa Piecarski, Carolyn Cannon (coach). Seated in front from left: Julia Sadecki, Adelle McLeod, Noah MacMunn, Kaylee Courneyea, Charlie Stoppa. Absent: Shayla Yakabuskie, Aimee Cybulskie.
We had the rewarding and very pleasant experience of being involved in a very small way, with the Figure Skating Competition at the Arena this past weekend.
As we drove into the parking lot, we could not help but notice that it was overflowing with cars! And on entering the Arena, we also noticed that there were masses of people both downstairs and upstairs, with figure skaters all ages and sizes. We were enthusiastically welcomed at the door by some of the volunteers who were responsible for making this all happen. Some of these volunteers go back many years.
During the course of the day, we had the privilege of meeting with some of these volunteers, parents and skating participants, and it soon became apparent that it required many many hours of preparation and organization to make this day the fantastic day it was. All of the people we talked to were all extremely happy that the Barry’s Bay Club hosted this competition.
This was a huge event and had a great benefit to our community…. it brought so many people into the area. A very big vote of thanks goes to all these dedicated volunteers who made this all possible. Bravo!!!!!