Fresh from a very successful competition at the “Santa Skate Invitational” held at Port Carling in December, this group of talented young skaters from Valley East can’t wait to test their skills against the best in the Sudbury Region at the Sudbury District Inter-Club which will be held at Centennial Arena from February 1 to 3. Shown in the photo, top row from the left: Debbie Moyle (one of the five coaches); Brenna Sullivan, Samantha Barnard, Allison Bruneau-Gagnon, and Melissa Wiman (coach). Front row: Kirsten LePage, Stephanie Bechard, Stephanie Frenette and Bre Ann Viau.

The skaters all took home medals from the Port Carling event. Brenna Sullivan took three medals in the Preliminary Division, including 1^st in both the Free Skate and Spins as well as 3^rd in Elements.      Samantha came in 2^nd place in the Sr. Bronze Spin Solo, 2^nd in the Jr. Bronze Elements, and 3^rd in the Jr. Bronze Free Skate. Allison took 4^th place in the Senior Bronze Free Skate. Kirsten took a 3^rd place in the Preliminary Free Skate. Stephanie Bechard had two 1^st place finishes in the Preliminary Division: the Free Skate and the Elements. Stephanie Frenette finished 2^nd in the Sr. Bronze Free Skate. Finally, Bre Ann Viau finished up in 1^st place in the Preliminary Free Skate. Besides Debbie and Melissa, the club is also coached by Lisa Lenarduzzi-Savard, Lori Walker and Janna Doni.

The Sudbury District Inter-Club, which is being hosted by the Valley East Figure Skating Club is a qualifying event to determine the finalists who will compete in Timmins at the Northern Ontarios at the end of February. A total of 17 different clubs from as far away as Massey will be taking to the ice in Valley East to vy for the prestigious three spots which will advance. Top three winners in Timmins will then advance to the All Ontario Inter-Club competitions which will be held right here in the City of Greater Sudbury in March. The top 12 Inter-Club skaters in the province will be in action for local figure skating enthusiasts.