FEATURE The Sport Of Skating Most people are familiar with the Yankton Area Ice Association’s hockey program, but Sue Zavadil wants everyone to know that there are other skaters at the local seasonal rink – figure skaters. The Yankton Area Figure Skaters are part of the Ice Skating Institute (ISI) that focus on recreational skating. “The focus is more on fun than, say, U.S. Figure Skating, which focuses on competition,” Zavadil said. “Although the program focuses on fun there are still several levels for the skaters to progress through and when they get to the higher levels there are competitions if the skaters are interested.” Zavadil said last year the program had about 60 skaters participating and the group Hands Comforting Hearts and Minds is currently taking applications for this winter’s programs. “Our main goal is to get kids on the ice and introduce them to figure skating,” she said. “Figure skating is definitely a sport. As a skater progresses and learns the different maneuvers and elements they get progressively harder.” There are four levels of Learn to Skate (Tots 1-4), then skaters move through levels: Pre-Alpha, Alpha, Beta, Gamma and Delta. Once these levels are completed, skaters move through the 10 Freestyle levels. “The Freestyle levels are when they start doing the things you see on TV,” Zavadil said. “Levels 9 and 10 are Olympic-level skaters. We do have some level 4 and 5 skaters, here in Yankton, which is very good for a program that SKATING Offering Hospice and Palliative Care by a team of professionals in your home setting, whether it be your private home, or a long term care facility, where ever you call HOME! We coordinate your care to provide comfort and dignity, support to family and friends, and enhance your quality of life. We’re not just about your medical condition, we’re about YOU, as a whole person; emotional, spiritual, recreational....INDIVIDUAL YOU! continued on page 10 We are available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week For more information call Colette Broekemeier 689-0382 *Medicare Certified HERVOICE SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013 v 7