The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Ice maidens urged to get their skates on for school sports project
ACTIVITIES: Top British trainers lead charity effort to get more teenage girls honing footwork skills on the rink
A charity to get more Tayside youngsters involved in skating has taken to the ice.
Ice Dundee’s Community project was set up around a year ago to increase participation in Dundee and has started working with Active schools and some secondary schools in the city.
The project started with 15 pupils from Baldragon Academy who trained with some of Britain’s best skaters and coaches at Dundee Ice Arena.
The session was led by former British champion Danielle Harrison and choreographer Andrew Smith.
Nina Wolfslast, Ice Dundee community manager, said: “Our efforts are largely aimed at helping children and young people in Dundee.
“We hope to see an improvement in their health and wellbeing by taking them on to the ice.
“We also want to help build their skills and confidence.
“It is important to have role models in life – more so for children and young people on their journey to find their way as they grow up.”
“Dundee is the best place to skate in the whole of the UK, as their success shows.
SIMON BRIGGS, OLYMPIC COACH
Initially the project will target teenage girls, as participation rates in sports within this age group are dropping.
Every second Friday they will be offered one coaching hour with different skaters and coaches from Ice Dundee’s GB Performance Squad, including Natasha Mckay, three time and current British champion, and Simon Briggs, GB Olympic coach.
Additionally, inspirational talks from team members will be held at the schools.
Nina said: “With our five Elite skaters taking the kids onto the ice, they will share their story with the youngsters and hopefully become role models for them.
“We especially want to empower girls and young women and show them a way of being active, more so because there is a high dropout rate of sport as girls reach a certain age compared to boys.”
Simon said: “It is a great opportunity for the kids to get active and be inspired by our elite skaters.
“Dundee is the best place to skate in the whole of the UK, as their success shows.
“We are home to Natasha Mckay, three time and current British Champion and European and World competitor as well as other former British and Irish champions.
“There is no better place for the kids to go skating, I am happy that Ice Dundee Community makes such a project possible.”
In 2020, St John’s High School will join the programme, with hopes other schools will become involved later.