The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
A combined figure skating clinic consisting of a skating clinic and a Program Assistant clinic was held at the Whitney Forum on November 17. The clinic was open to all skaters in the Norman Region. The skating portion of the clinic is held yearly in each region of Manitoba. The clinic rotates throughout each of the skating clubs in every region. A clinician for the event is chosen from a group of coaches, who are selected by Skate Manitoba to head up the clinics. Mary Ann Penner was selected to run the clinic for the Norman Region this year. Mary Ann currently teaches at Brandon, Manitoba (SkateBrandon). She has taught skaters at all levels including the StarSkate, Sectional and national Divisions. Fourteen skaters took part in the skating portion of the clinic. Mary Ann worked with the skaters on their jumps, spins, stoking, creative movements and field movements. Mary Ann's positive energy and enthusiasm made learning and reaching for new goals for the skaters, a very enjoyable experience. Off ice sessions were also held during this portion of the clinic. These classes consisted of "stretching and relaxation skills" taught by Erin Sobkow and "makeup sessions" taught by Nikki McConnell and Tracey Hovland. The second portion of the clinic was used for the training of Program Assistants. This is a recognized Skate Canada course, that the skaters who assist the coach are required to take. Ten skaters took part in this portion of the clinic. Mary Ann shows the PA's how to help the coach with teaching, while still making the sessions fun for the CanSkaters. Some of these techniques included games, props and weekly themes that could be incorporated into the skating classes for the CanSkaters. The combined clinic turned out to be a full day of learning and activity for all the skaters who participated in it.
