A grand time at 12th annual Langton Skating Gala

By Darryl G. Smart

Jennifer VanDeWiele could hardly contain herself on Friday.

Pacing around with her friends at the Langton Arena, the nerves and excitement were at an all time high.

“I could hardly remember the last time I was able to skate in front of people like this,” the Holy Trinity student said. “It was a competition before we weren’t able to skate anymore. 

“I’ve been so excited about this,” she said. “We all have been really excited about it.”

On Friday, the Langton Skating Club hosted its 12th Annual Gala. And for the first time in two years, these young skaters got to show off their stuff in front of friends and family.

“You get that feeling before you go on the ice. I missed that,” Vandewiele said. “Having the crowd is such an amazing feeling. You get that feeling of energy. I know I feel it and so do the others.”

Marleen VanDeWiele, president of the Langton Skating Club was also all smiles as the skaters hit the ice.

“I’m just so glad we were able to do this,” VanDeWiele said. “I’m so happy we were able to do this. The kids deserve it. They’ve worked hard and we’re all very happy they can show friends and family what they’ve been doing on the ice.

“It’s also great to see how well the club is doing, with what’s going on in the world,” she said. “Our registration is down a little, but that’s to be expected. But the addition of our synchro team has really shown that the club is still growing in a positive direction.”

She said last year the skating club did what they could to have a gala, but of course at that time, only one parent could watch.

“It was supposed to be a huge year for the club last year,” Marlene VanDeWiele said.” It was our 50th anniversary. It was disappointing but at least we were able to do something. It makes today that much more special.”

The president said that many of the skaters are training for competitions, with the hopes they will hold the club’s annual carnival at the end of the season. 

“I’m excited to compete again,” Jennifer VanDeWiele said. “It’ll be a lot of fun to do.”