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'What a day': world champion inspires young Renfrew area skaters
Kurt Browning, Alissa Czisny earn new fans at Renfrew seminar
| Source: |
Renfrew Mercury |
| Date: |
February 27, 2019 |
| Author: |
John Carter |
One of Canada's most famous figure skaters, Kurt Browning, did not
disappoint when he visited Renfrew Feb. 21 to share his passion for
the sport with young Upper Ottawa Valley skaters.
"What a day," said Renfrew Figure Skating coach Katie Skerkowski, who
was delighted with the enthusiasm shown by Browning, a four-time world
champion skater, and two-time American women's champion Alissa Czisny
at the all-day seminar at the Ma-Te-Way Activity Centre. "It was
fantastic to see them working with our skaters."
Browning and Czisny taught, entertained and inspired during the event
hosted by the Renfrew Figure Skating Club. Skerkowski, who was
instrumental in bringing the two stars to Renfrew, said the seminar
attracted a larger turnout than even she expected, with skaters coming
from Arnprior, Barry's Bay, West Carleton, Deep River and Pembroke as
well as Renfrew.
After spending most of the day on the ice teaching and encouraging the
young skaters, Browning gave an inspirational speech to the full group
before answering questions and signing autographs. Then he and Czisny
went back on the ice to give more lessons for members of the host
Renfrew club.
Browning told the Renfrew Mercury that he feels it's important to
impart the joy of the sport to young skaters while encouraging them to
reach their full potential. "The kids are great to work with ... so
honest," he said.
"Our seminars are based on enjoying the sport," he added. "We want
them to have fun."
However, they need to realize it takes dedication and plenty of
practice to excel. "You have to work at it, but don't get frustrated
when it doesn't come easily," he said. "Sometimes kids forget how good
they are."
Czisny, who had a permanent smile as she helped the skaters work on
their moves, urged them to concentrate on their artistic
presentations. "It can't be just about the jumps," she said.
At the end of the seminar, Browning told the local skaters "the better
you get, the more fun it gets." It's like riding a bike, "you start
wobbly, but it gets better," he assured them, advising them to focus
on the positive, stay curious, let the music "carry you along," and
not be afraid "to leave your comfort zone."
It's a "tough sport," he said, noting "it looks easy, but only if done
well." And to do it well takes time and work.
He praised the young skaters for their energy, adding, "I saw you
doing some really beautiful things out on the ice today. We challenged
you and you responded. We're proud of you. You make us feel bubbly and
happy."
The joy of skating can last a lifetime, Browning said, noting he
recently skated with an "amazing" 76-year-old Kingston woman who still
excels in the sport. "When it comes to skating, there are always new
friendships and new experiences."
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