Foremost Skating Club celebrates success

Commentator/Courier Photo by Brylan Span Out For a Spin: The Foremost Skating Club hosted their year end show “Come Shell-ebrate And Sea What All The Comm-Ocean is About” on March 12. The club welcomed Gracin Zimmerman (above) as the guest skater.

By Brylan Span
Commentator/Courier

The Foremost Skating Club recently held its year-end show on March 12, marking a triumphant conclusion to the year. Ellen Geldreich, the outgoing club president, expressed her delight at the event, stating, “I thought it was fantastic, I was very, very happy with it.”

The show featured a stellar lineup, including a guest performance by 11 year old skater Gracin Zimmerman, who has been given the opportunity to join the Alberta Junior Development Team. There was also local talent displayed off that ice, as a heartfelt rendition of “Oh Canada” was performed by Lucy Jost.

Geldreich commended all the skaters for their exceptional performances, highlighting the joy of witnessing their hard work pay off.

Reflecting on her tenure as president, Geldreich shared mixed emotions. “I’m happy to be done being president because it takes so much time, but at the same time I’m also sad because I really enjoyed being a part of it,” she admitted. Despite the challenges, Geldreich takes pride in the club’s resilience, acknowledging the dedicated individuals who contributed to its success.

Throughout the tumultuous period following the onset of COVID-19, the club faced significant obstacles, including the absence of a coach. With perseverance and community support, they managed to keep the club running and help the skaters improve. Geldreich extended her gratitude to key figures such as Ashley Janzen and Vaera King, as well as the board members, volunteers, and parents who rallied together to sustain the club’s operations.

Geldreich also paid tribute to her daughter, Jewel, a senior skater who played a pivotal role in the club’s activities, providing private lessons and choreographing routines despite her young age. “It was a lot for her as a 13-year-old, but she was a big part of that too,” Geldreich emphasized.

Recalling the club’s journey, Geldreich highlighted the influence of past presidents like Jackie Van Staalduine, whose kindness and patience inspired her daughter to persevere in skating. Determined to uphold the club’s legacy of inclusivity and support, Geldreich strived to recreate the welcoming atmosphere she experienced when she first joined the club a decade ago. “When I took it over I just really wanted to show respect to the previous president and how fantastic they were with the club,” said Geldreich. “It was open to everyone, didn’t matter where you were from or your skill level, they were always very open”

Looking ahead, Geldreich expressed optimism for the club’s future, noting the impending arrival of a skate Canada coach who has shown interest in joining the team. With the prospect of professional coaching on the horizon, the club anticipates continued growth and success in the years to come.

As Geldreich transitions from her role as president, she remains committed to supporting the club and its new leadership. With a bright future on the horizon and a renewed sense of community spirit, the Foremost Skating Club looks forward to embracing new opportunities and achieving greater heights in the world of figure skating.