Velocity@Novena Figure Skating Challenge

Requirements and entry form available for download from the TBISC website.

Fuji Ice Palace Farewell Party

Party at the rink - just $10 per person for hi-tea reception and free skating!!

When: 15 Oct 2008, 6-9pm
Where: Fuji Ice Palace (3rd floor Jurong Entertainment Center)
Tickets: $10 per person
Only 350 tickets available, purchase yours now from the cashier's counter!!

From the not-so-partying perspective, the rink is closing... though we can look forward to the Olympic rink next year :-)

Happy Coaches Day!

Today, 12 September 2008, is Coaches Day.

Say a big thank you to your coaches - send an eZoCard!

Coaches' Day is initiated by Singapore Sports Council (SSC) to recognise a coach's role in developing athletes. It is held on the second Friday of September each year.

Indeed, a coach is a teacher, and a role model for young athletes. We should use this opportunity to show appreciation to our coaches.

Sarah Paw makes history for Singapore!!

For the first time in history, Singapore will be represented in a winter sport!

This week the Junior Grand Prix goes to Mexico City, and Sarah Paw will be representing Singapore - this is the first time Singapore is represented in an ISU Figure Skating competition.

Since obtaining ISU provisional membership in April, the Singapore Ice Skating Association is now able to send skaters to ISU events. As our reigning National Champion at the Junior level, Sarah is one of the best skaters Singapore has (we currently have no Senior skaters yet), and is an apt choice for SISA's debut on the ISU stage.

Sarah will be competing in the Junior Ladies event. The short program will be on Friday, and the free skate on Saturday.

Let us wish Sarah all the best for the competition!!

Vote for Figure Skating!!

Question:

What event are you looking forward to in Vancouver in 2010?

This is a poll on NBC Olympics Vancouver 2010 page. I'm not sure if the poll is going to be open for long, so... quickly go put in your vote!

NBC also ran an article, "Ones to watch", which puts Mao Asada as the leading figure skater to watch. Indeed, she had missed the previous Olympics by being a few months too young and is now hard at work... with seemingly effortless triple Axels. Here's a video of an interview and her practise:


In my opinion, Mao is not the only one to watch. She has keen competition from Korean Kim Yuna, and of course we cannot discount Miki Ando, who was the first female skater to land a quadruple jump (salchow) in competition. Last but not least, with Michelle Kwan considering a return, the ladies' event is going to be one not to be missed!

So, of course figure skating is the event I am looking forward to in Vancouver, especially the ladies event!

On the cover of Vogue

How does it feel to be famous?

Reminds me of the time when I was on the cover of The New Paper on Sunday, 26 September 2004, with a 2-page story titled "No snow, no ice, but ... got S'pore ice-skating champs". (archive found in Rednano - seems to not work on IE)

Then, that was for real, and it was surreal - I recall waiting in line at the grocery store and seeing the guy in front of me pick up the paper. I wanted one for myself, but ended up asking my parents to get it!

Anyway, back to this picture of Vogue, this one is not for real. I made it on the PhotoFunia website - interesting photo edits put you in the limelight... How fun!!

2009 ISU International Adult Competition - dates and location

Today, I received an email from Rhea Schwartz on the pre-announcement for the ISU Adult competition for next year:

Just want to let you all know that the 2009 ISU International Adult Competition will be held in Oberstdorf, Germany, May 28, 29, 30, 2009. The "draw party" will be held Wednesday night, May 27. Depending upon the number of entries, the competition may extend to Sunday, May 31.

The announcement will be prepared this fall. Some minor changes will me made to the program requirements for both free skating and dance so please read it carefully when it is published.

Dont forget that all skaters have the opportunity to skate an "artistic" program as well as in another discipline. Please carefully read the requirements for artistic programs as they are marked only on the program components and the emphasis is on interpretation of the music.

Spread the word about how much fun this competition is. The more the merrier; the more new friends we will make.

Starting the count-down to Oberstdorf!

Indeed, this competition, while competitive, is fun, and a wonderful chance to meet old friends, and make new ones. I want to go again, especially since I'd missed it this year!

Next year will be the first time Singapore will be represented at this competition, after gaining provisional membership to the ISU in March this year. It would be great if we can get a team to go!

[Update - another competition, the Mountain Cup, will be held in Villard-de-Lans, France, from Thursday 4-Sunday 7 June, preceded by a 3-day training camp from Monday 1 June.]