10/23/08

World-class athletes compete in Snohomish County

Snohomish County skaters will share the ice with international competitors

by Beckye Randall

The world of international figure skating lands squarely in Snohomish County this week, putting Everett in the spotlight alongside other world capitals in one of the premiere events for athletes on their road to the 2010 Winter Olympics.

  

Skate America, the first major skating competition for the season, will take place October 24-26 at Comcast Arena in Everett.

Skate America is part of the International Skating Union Grand Prix of Figure Skating Series, the foremost international figure skating competition held in the United States each year. The Olympic-style series, entering its 14th year, features 60 elite skaters from 15 countries competing in ladies’, men’s, pairs and dance categories.

Everett is in great company as other stops on the circuit include the international destinations of Ottawa, Beijing, Paris, Moscow and Tokyo. The competition finals are held in Seoul, South Korea.

Three local skaters, all members of the Everett Figure Skating Club, will also get a taste of the spotlight as they take to the ice as flower sweepers during the event. 9-year-old Shailyn Berry of Arlington, Haley Palm, 11, of Snohomish, and Stanwood’s Madison Barczyszyn, 12, auditioned for the skating honor and were chosen to help clear the ice of flowers thrown in appreciation of the competitors’ performances. (Photo right: Madison, Shailyn and Haley)

“All three of the girls are serious competitive figure skaters and this is truly an honor to be part of such an important international skating event,” said Barbara Davison, the club’s secretary and Shailyn’s proud grandmother.

The local skaters are sure to be star-struck as they meet and mingle with skating legends and role models. The reigning U.S. champions in all four skating categories are scheduled to compete during the Everett event: Mirai Nagasu in ladies’, Evan Lysacek in men’s, Keauna McLaughlin and Rockne Brubaker in pairs, and Tanith Belbin and Ben Agosto in ice dancing.

Thousands of skating fans are expected to attend the 3-day event and, in fact, Skate America organizers say the Everett weekend is close to breaking all-time attendance records.

In addition to watching world-class skaters compete, locals can participate in Fan Fest activities each day, October 23-26, in the Edward Hansen conference center. Athletes will be on hand at posted times to sign autographs and pose for photos. Fans can also try driving a Zamboni or building an igloo while enjoying free musical entertainment.

Skate America organizers are also sponsoring a free skating lesson at Comcast Arena on October 26 from 8-10 a.m., with a special appearance by members of Team USA and other skaters slated at 9 a.m.

Production Sports, a local nonprofit organization founded by Steve Baker and Laura Lee, is the force behind Everett’s Skate America competition. The Edmonds-based company combines Baker’s life-long experience in figure skating as a World team member for the United Kingdom, coach and skating director, with Lee’s event management skills and experience. 2008 Skate America is the organization’s first International sporting event. 

For a complete schedule of Skate America events, ticket prices and more, visit the official Web site at www.2008skateamerica.com.

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