Skate Asia 2011 ¡V Reflections by Jean Albrightson
The annual Skate Asia Competition is lauded as the largest gathering of international ice skaters in Asia as well as THE event that keeps Asian skaters connected in their sport. This past August 662 skaters from 11 countries representing 25 rinks connected with one another as they gathered in Bangkok, Thailand, for the 12th annual event. The Jackson Ultima Skate Asia 2011 was held at Imperial World Ice Skating Center.
Those of us who traveled to Bangkok were treated to warm and generous Thai hospitality by the host committee chaired by Suroj Lamsam, as well as those who worked tirelessly to make the competition a memorable experience for all. This competition ran smoothly due to the leadership of Paul Tai Wai Wong, Competition Director and Chief Referee, and the most pleasant, upbeat group of staff and volunteers with whom I have ever worked!!
Those of us on the judges¡¦ stand enjoyed watching skaters ages 3-56, tot through FS 9, share their talent and obvious enjoyment of skating as they skillfully performed creative routines during eight days of competition. It is abundantly clear that ice skating transcends differences in language and culture among the skaters, fans, and judges. Even after 10 years as a Skate Asia referee, I continue to be impressed at seeing athletes, parents, and coaches from differing countries join together to share their love and support of skating! We ALL had great fun together the one evening the competition ended early so we could enjoy a dinner cruise on the Chao Phraya River, Bangkok¡¦s most prominent landmark.
Impressions shared by US referees: Larry LaBorde loved the beautiful costumes and the amazing award stand backdrop, which he hopes to replicate for his competition in Tennessee. Jenise Jensen was impressed with the quality of skating that exists in Asia. She especially liked watching the production numbers themed on the culture of various countries. ¡§¡KI particularly enjoyed watching and judging the programs performed by the Indonesian, Philippine and Thailand teams; it¡¦s almost like visiting all of their countries!¡¨
Robin Bentley commented on the production numbers, noting the pride in culture and country exhibited by the skaters. Both she and Larry, first timers, were impressed by the large, heavy, beautiful medals, a staple of the Skate Asia Competition, but not seen in the US.
Margy Bennett, a Skate Asia veteran, has enjoyed getting to know coaches from other countries. They are international coaching friends who ¡§¡Klove the ISI program and what it offers their skaters¡¨. Like Margy, I too look forward each August to reconnecting with my Asian friends. The coaches (and skaters) are so eager to learn from us, like sponges soaking up every bit of information so they can be certified and knowledgeable judges.
Before heading back to the US, some had an opportunity to experience Thailand beyond the ice rink. Larry could hardly believe he got to ¡§hold a tiger and ride an elephant¡¨. Jenise enjoyed visiting the temples and riding the elephants, ¡§¡K..it brought the culture and flavor of Thailand to life¡¨. Margy commented on the great camaraderie of our US group in work and play¡K¡¨It¡¦s part of the ISI culture¡¨.
On behalf of all referees, we congratulate the First Place Team from Imperial World, and we thank Jackson Ultima Skate Inc. for their generous sponsorship! Our experience in Thailand was truly unforgettable!!
Article ID : 36
