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Surrey’s synchronized skating team fares well in provincial competition

Their six teams all ended up with top three finishes during the event at South Surrey Arena
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The Adult Two team stands for a photo with coach Danalee Harrison (middle) after provincials wrapped up at South Surrey Arena. (Submitted photo)

They say that practice makes perfect.

For the Lower Mainland Synchronized Skating Club (LMSSC) based out of Surrey, they were able to put their practice to the test for the first time this season.

On Saturday, the LMSSC competed in the first provincial competition of the season at South Surrey Arena. The club iced six teams in a tournament that featured 22 clubs from both British Columbia and the Yukon.

All of the teams that skated for the LMSSC ended up with a top-three finish.

Coach Danalee Harrison was proud of the club’s effort in their first competitive foray of the season.

“The (LMSSC) Open team skated a moving program to ‘Rise Up’ (with songs from Demi Lovato and Andra Day) and left the crowd in awe with the emotion and beautiful dresses.”

Harrison mentions that even though the program still has room for improvement, the team was quite pleased with their initial score.

“The program is still in the building stages, but they were very happy with their base program mark to grow as their technical (program) develops to the level they are aspiring to achieve as they climb to perfection with a silver medal,” she said.

The Pre Novice team and the Adult Three team skated to gold medals for the LMSSC.

“Our Pre Novice team skated to a fabulous ‘Fashionista’ program (with songs from Jimmy James and Lady Gaga), engaging the crowd with a high-energy performance,” said Harrison. “Adult Three kept the audience entertained with their ‘Earth, Wind and Fire’ program.

The Adult Two team had a shot at a third first-place finish for the LMSSC, but a fall during the program left the team in second place.

The two youngest teams, Beginners and Elementary, both skated to second-place finishes. Leslie Rupp coaches the three youngest squads, which includes the Pre Novice team.

While there were reasons to be happy with all of the performances, Harrison was especially proud of the Open team.

“The Open team impressed me the most with their beautiful dresses, skating skills and emotion,” Harrison said. “We are excited to see this program flourish to the potential that it has with the heartfelt meaning of the program.”

“Their program is called ‘Life Struggles,’ capturing the emotions and heartfelt struggles one goes through in the stages of suicide, depression and anxiety.”

Next up for the LMSSC is a trip to Mississauga, Ontario to compete in the ‘Winterfest’ competition. LMSSC will be sending four of their teams (Pre Novice, Open, Adult Two and Adult Three) to Ontario for the weekend.

The international event runs from Jan. 5th to 7th, featuring over 100 synchronized skating teams, along with more than 2000 skaters.



trevor.beggs@surreynowleader.com

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Coach Danalee Harrison (middle) poses with the LMSSC open team after provincials on Dec. 10th. (Submitted photo)