Featured performer at skating club’s ice show Saturday
Apr 09, 2008 - 11:32 AM
By Al Rivett
PICKERING -- Skate Canada Pickering Skating Club has the current world champion as its feature skater at its bi-annual ice show on Saturday.
Jeffrey Buttle, who captured the gold medal in the men’s singles event at the World Figure Skating Championships in Gothenburg, Sweden last month, will perform as part of the club’s 35th anniversary ice show at the Pickering Recreation Complex at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m., Saturday, April 12.
For Barbara Scott, the club’s first vice-president, having Buttle perform is not only good for skating aficionados to see the reigning world champion at the shows (he’ll perform at both sessions), but also to show the young skaters involved in the show what’s possible with hard work and dedication.
“I know we always want to have someone special to highlight to family and the families what skating is all about and what it can lead to. We’ve had (Canadian and North American champion) Donald Jackson in the past and this time we heard about Jeffrey Buttle before he went to the world championships.
“How can someone of his calibre come to a little club like Pickering? We feel so honoured. It’s wonderful that he can take some time out at that level and have some fun.”
Not only is Buttle performing in Pickering on Saturday, but he’s also agreed to a fundraising meet-and-greet between shows at Burbs Bistro in Pickering. Scott is happy to report tickets are completely sold out for the event, which features wine and hors d’ouevres.
In addition, the 25-year-old Sudbury resident, who skates out of the Mariposa School of Skating in Barrie, has also made himself available after each performance to meet with the skaters to sign autographs and have pictures taken.
“He’s really putting a lot of time into it,” says Scott. “He’s not just skating and taking off, but he’s going to be here a while and the skaters and parents really appreciate it. We know there are a lot of demands on his time.”
The themes of the ice show are ‘Where’s Waldo’ and ‘A Night at the Oscars’ and will involve approximately 150 of the club’s skaters from the three-year-old beginners to the seasoned competitive skaters.
Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for children under 12 and can be purchased at the Pickering Recreation Complex, 1867 Valley Farm Rd., in the arena lobby.
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