(April 30, 2008)

Over the weekend Skate Canada hosted a National Development Camp in Toronto, Ont. Skate Canada invited twelve single competitive skaters aged 13 – 16, to participate in a camp that involved on and off ice sessions. This year’s camp took a different spin than previous years as the camp took an additional focus on sport science. 

The camp was held at the Toronto Cricket Skating and Curling Club and ran a two-day schedule from April 25 – 27.  Things ran smoothly as the schedule included sessions with Marijane and Louis Stong, Petra Burka, Mike Slipchuk, Dr. John Philpott, Susie Langley, Dr. Judy Goss, Dr. Greg Gannon, Vladimir Lablakov, Lee Barkell, Anne Schelter, Tracy Wilson and Brian Orser who are all at the top of their field respectably.

“We took a new approach with this camp. We started this as a pilot program for future development. The skaters and coaches involved definitely benefited from the new format and the top level presenters we had on and off ice,” said Skate Canada Director High Performance Mike Slipchuk.  

The camp was an overall success as the skaters took in the importance of nutrition and psychology which can sometimes be over looked during training.

“The plan is to continue to develop these camps in this direction,” said Slipchuk.

Skate Canada’s next camp will be the Pre-Season Senior National Team Camp, held from June 26 – 28 in Toronto, Ont.

Photos by Celina Stipanic