Isle of Wight skaters in ‘ice’olation

Members of the Isle of Wight Ice Dance and Figure Skating Club have been making use of technology to help them stay focused on their training during the coronavirus crisis.

While staying safely at home the skaters are meeting each week for an online training session where they practice routines in their own living rooms and stay connected with their skating family.

Used to getting up at 3am to cross the Solent with Wightlink for training in Gosport on Sunday mornings, the skaters and their families are welcoming their Sunday lie-ins but also desperately missing their regular sessions on the ice.

Terri Smith, the IW Ice Dance and Figure Skating Club coach, says: “At this uncertain and surreal time we are all staying safe in our own homes but it is very difficult for the skaters who are used to spending so much time with one another.

“As a club we are used to obstacles. Losing our rink hasn’t stopped us skating so this virus won’t stop us either! The girls are enjoying staying positive and active during their online skate sessions. In these strange and difficult time the skaters all feel much happier after training online with their best buddies.”

Stuart James, Wightlink’s Marketing and Innovations Director, says: “This group of skaters are hugely dedicated so it comes as no surprise that they are not letting the current situation get in the way of their training sessions.

“We’re missing seeing the skaters on Sunday mornings but we all know how important it is to stay home at the moment to help support the NHS and save lives.

“We’re really pleased they have found a way to stay focused during this challenging time and we look forward to continuing our support for the club when on ice training can resume.”