It was about 14 months ago, a disappointed Samantha Li couldn’t even stand on skates to participate in her school’s Christmas Skating Party. This weekend the Grade 2 Richmond Christian student will be making her competitive debut as a member of Connaught’s Bronze program.
“She was pretty upset. Everyone knew how to skate and she couldn’t,” recalled her mom Vivian Ren of that day back in December 2017. “I told her she may not know how now but there is time and she can learn.”
Soon after, Ren signed her daughter up for the Richmond Olympic Oval’s Learn to Skate Program. Li not only became comfortable on the ice, she developed a passion for it as well.
She was eventually invited to participate in the Oval’s academy program. Thanks to a partnership with the Connaught Skating, Li was later encouraged to register for the club’s junior academy last September.
Four months later she was promoted to Connaught’s entry level Bronze competitive program. Now she will performing this week at the 2019 Connaught Winter Regional Skate at Minoru Arenas.
“It really is amazing. She has improved so much. Especially from September to December,” continued Ren. “What we have found is so many skaters (from outside of Richmond) all come to skate here so we feel so lucky.”
Ren added she is appreciative of the guidance she has received, initially from the Oval skating staff and now Connaught, especially as a parent with no background in skating.
Skaters only progress when they have achieved certain skill levels and their instructors/coaches feel they are ready for the next step in their young careers.
“I don’t even know how to skate or even how to get into the competitive level,” added Ren. “But the club has been very professional. They let you know how much her skills are improving and are very detailed at what has been accomplished. It’s a very clear procedure.”
Connaught’s director of programs Keegan Murphy praised the efforts of the Oval’s Learn to Skate program and is appreciative of the partnership with the club.
“They are doing a wonderful job and we are happy to be working with them. They understand the importance of when they think young skaters are ready to move over to a club program.”
The Connaught Winter Regional Skate starts on Friday and wraps up Sunday.
