Happy Holidays, everyone!!

Happy Holidays, everyone!!



View the eCard I created for everyone!

Figure Skating Grand Prix Final 2007

I spent several hours over the weekend watching the Grand Prix Final. The ladies were really great to watch, but somewhat disappointing, as none of them had that "perfect skate".

Kim Yu-Na never ceases amazes me. Her jumps look so effortless - even those that she fell on! Her flying camel - layover is still the best. And her programs this season have awesome choreography. My only pet peeve about her is that she never seems to lift her free leg on landing of jumps or exit of spins.

Something admirable I noticed this time is also how Yu-Na continues with a captivating skate of her program, even after setbacks early on. So unlike Kimmie Meissner's long program where she looked like she's given up halfway in the program.

So, I won't let on about the results. Here are playlists of the ladies' long and short programs, thanks to various contributors on YouTube!

Ladies Long Program


Ladies Short Program

Future Stars Announcement

There will be a beginner-level competition held in conjunction with our Nationals next year! This competition is titled "Future Stars" and would serve to encourage the lower level skaters to begin competing.

For this purpose, SISA has created a scale of values for 1/2-revolution jumps, and for 2-foot spins. Since this is a low-level competition, the only full-revolution jumps allowed are the toe loop and salchow, while spins are limited to just the 2-foot spin and the regular upright spin. It is of note that though the half loop is not a listed jump, it is also not allowed as it is full-revolution!

Download the announcement for "Future Stars" (zip file)

Previous post: Fuji Ice Palace Singapore National Figure Skating Championships 2008

Moscow Cup Open - "Russian Winter 2008" Announcement

The Moscow Cup Open - "Russian Winter 2008" will be held on 22-25 February 2008 in Moscow, Russia.

This is the second year they are holding this, and there has been lots of positive feedback from previous participants, not only about how organised the competition was, but also about the tours and other activities! I've never been to Russia, but apparently winter there is pretty.

[Update 30 Dec 2007: The competition announcement is now available!]

What is Our National Treasure?

Our very own figure skaters!
Figure skating in Singapore is a young sport, and has come a long way. We have athletes who have persevered even with inadequate facilities and support. We have talented young skaters who are capable of so much more - given the opportunity. Figure skating has so much potential; it just needs to be recognised!

Indeed, with the Team Singapore Sports Idol contest now in its final round, we have four female skaters up in the top 50. This is the most number of female athletes in a single sport!

Support our skaters: Alexandria Wong, Anja Chong, Sarah Paw and Sarah Rodgers. Put in your vote for them! You also stand to win fabulous prizes, including the GRAND DRAW - a travel package for 2 to the Beijing 2008 Olympics Games. The more you vote, the greater your chances to win! This round of voting will last until 21 Dec.

[This post was triggered by a question to promote the movie National Treasure 2.]

A Resource for Ice Dancers

I recently learned about the release of Learn to Ice Dance DVD produced by Sharper Edge Productions. Here's a "trailer" for the DVD (from SharperEdgeProd on YouTube)

They have also put up short clips of some of the beginning dances on YouTube:

Order information and other products can be found on IceDancers.com

Another Zamboni Catches Fire!

How often do you think Zambonis would catch fire?

I know of two reports already, in the last 4 months! The previous one I had written about in a previous post, and I already thought it was scary. Now, 4 months later, another Zamboni has caught fire in Aston, PA. That was on 30 Nov, after a high school hockey game! The only consolation is that all these incidents happen during ice resurface - when everyone is already off the ice ;0

Zamboni Catches Fire Inside DelCo. Rink - report from 6abc.com
Zamboni Catches Fire At Ice Arena

Video from Koco.com

I also posted about rink hazards - perhaps I should really consider adding "Zamboni going up in flames".