JUDGES SHARPEN THEIR PENCILS AS LOCAL SKATERS SHARPEN THEIR BLADES...AND SKILLS

HARRINGTON, DE - February 27, 2006
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dated material: Not to run after April 8, 2006

Figure skaters, ages two and up, are "lacing up" in preparation for the Basic Skills Skating Competition to be held on April 8 at The Centre Ice Rink in Harrington. The competition, presented by the Delaware State Fair and the Bay Country Figure Skating Club, welcomes anyone who is either a member of any U.S. Figure Skating Association (USFSA) Basic Skills Program or is a full member of USFSA. In order to join USFSA Basic Skills, a skater must register through one of the 800 programs across the country. The Centre Ice Rink--one of three facilities in Delaware--offers registration for a mere $5.00. Once registered, a skater may enter any Basic Skills competition, nationwide.

According to The Centre’s program director, Deanna Vokes, “Our competition is well structured in that it is based on a established set of guidelines; however, we haven't lost sight of the fact that this should be a fun event. In fact, at the end of the day, each participant will have won either a medal or a ribbon.” Vokes noted the prime purpose of the event is to celebrate the development of basic learn-to-skate skills. “We are dedicated to enabling every skater to participate no matter if her/his goal is fun, fitness, or achievement", said Vokes, “It’s really about focusing on the skills of each skater—where s/he ranks in relation to her/his previous skill set rather than in competition with other skaters.”

Vokes stated that figure skaters normally must participate in competitions based on higher levels of skill where there is unrestricted skating. However, a Basic Skills Program competition allows skaters to "compete" before they test themselves into a more stringent atmosphere. Vokes added, "We will be presenting several interesting categories that are not offered at other rinks such as interpretive, spin, team, and showcase events. Moreover, we are requiring a lower than normal entry fee per skater, per event." The Centre Ice Rink asks that all entries be postmarked no later than March 25, 2006 and are limited to the first 150 applications received.

Spectators are encouraged to attend; the event is free to the public.

Skaters interested in participating or those interested in learning the eligibility requirements and guidelines should contact Vokes at (302) 398-5900 ext. 567. Any businesses interested in sponsoring the event may contact Tricia Southard at (302) 398-5903 opt. 2.###