The Deeside skaters breaking barriers on the ice
A Flinshire club is synchronised in its efforts to make skating accessible to all, and to swell its numbers to pre-pandemic levels.
With an impressive 90 members before Covid, Deeside Synchronised Skating Club naturally suffered when the ice rink at Deeside Leisure Centre became a vaccination centre.
Now it is bouncing back, with 46 members, the first inclusive skating team in Wales, and regular taster sessions to ensure anyone can try out synchronised figure skating.
The inclusive team includes members with learning difficulties, cerebral palsy, dyspraxia and other disabilities. One of its members, Stephanie Gott, has a haul of medals from several Special Olympics competitions in both the single and pair categories.
Deeside Synchro also subsidises membership and costumes for those from low-income households when possible and has care leavers among the members.
Chair Lindsay Hasaj said: “We’ve wanted to start an inclusive team for a long time, it’s very close to our hearts. We have skaters in their twenties who have been with us since they were children – now there’s an opportunity for everyone.”
Vice-chair Gaynor Clarke added: “During times of stress, such as exams, members see skating as an outlet. It’s a healthy way of decompressing and looking after their mental health.”
The club is due to take part in the competition season which starts in October and culminates with the national finals in February. Ice time, coaching, uniform, transport and accommodation costs are very high for the club, particularly for the inclusive team
where extra supporters are required to travel.
Mark Tami, MP for Alyn and Deeside, said: “I’m impressed by the opportunities that the club affords to so many people. It’s clear that skating is a valuable outlet that supports participants’ mental and physical health.
“The costs of running such a club are high, and I have been signposting the club to appropriate funding opportunities. They also have sponsorship packages available, and I would urge any local businesses who are in a position to do so to help out.”
Anyone who wishes to join Deeside Synchronised Skating Club, or sponsor the club, can find out more on the club’s Facebook page, or call Gaynor Clarke on 07850 276553.
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