By: Pj Kwong

The view from chilly Winnipeg and the 2024/25 Skate Canada Challenge is decidedly warm and friendly.

Skate Ontario athletes kicked off the competition on Thursday with great performances in Junior and Senior Pairs and Junior Women’s short programs. There are Skate Ontario skaters in podium position in all three events with Reese Rose in 4th in Junior Women, Ava Kemp and Yonatan Elizarov in the lead in Junior Pair, and Christina Lyons and Marty Haubrich as the lone competitors in Senior Pair but with a strong showing in the short program.

With representation in all 8 categories at this Challenge event, Skate Ontario is on the brink of exhibiting the best results in the country. The competition continues today with lots more skaters taking the ice.

On the ice is one thing, but what happens off the ice is just as compelling. On display is a factor that could be just as important as performance and that is the friendships that are and have been cultivated through shared goals, experiences, victories, and defeats. For better or worse in competition, there is a legion of supporters waiting for the skater(s) to finish their performance.

In my mind, friendships in sport play a vital role in fostering unity, trust, and mutual respect among athletes and those around them. These friendships provide emotional support, boosting morale and creating a sense of belonging. The encouragement and constructive feedback from friends in sport help individuals grow both personally and athletically, fostering resilience and confidence.

These relationships remind skaters that, while winning is important, the shared ‘love of the game’ and pursuit of a goal are equally valuable.

My favourite part is that friendships formed through sport often last a lifetime, leaving lasting memories and fostering a spirit of collaboration and understanding. It’s powerful. So, next time you’re watching figure skating, look to see what’s happening after the skate – at the ‘kiss n’ cry’ or even in the lobby – and you’ll see that the skaters can and should be surrounded by support.

Speaking of support, show yours by leaving good luck wishes for Team Ontario below this blog and don’t forget to follow @skateontario on your favourite social media platform. We are all #SkateOntarioProud.