“When I was very young and just getting into figure skating, somehow I got to play Tinkerbell in our club’s production of Peter Pan. That was it…I was hooked. The skating bug bit me and I have been devoted to the sport to this day,” says Debbi Wilkes, Director of Communications and Marketing for Skate Canada.

Debbi’s story could be that of just about any child growing up in Canada. We are, after all, a nation on ice. Whether it be the frosty morning mist of the hockey arena or under the spotlight at a major figure skating championship, just freeze some water and you’ll probably find us tearing around on it before too long.

Skate Canada, a proud SOCAN licencee, is the official body of figure skating in this country, overseeing, certifying and organizing the efforts of 1,400 clubs, 4,500 coaches and some 180,000 members. “It’s no simple task,” explains Wilkes. “We ensure that all coaches are certified, from basic to elite, and that they follow the guidelines of the Canadian Coaches Association. Many have international experience. It’s a wonderful sport, and helping to set the standards, we help our skaters compete at the level they desire.”

Of course, with the Vancouver Olympics just around the corner, that competition is really heating up as skaters vie for spots on the National Team. “But it doesn’t have to be a spot at the top. We encourage healthy competition at all levels. In fact, I tell even the youngest skaters to just get out there and compete, and try to be the very best they can be today,” Wilkes says. “It’s all about movement, music and self-expression. In fact, it is the music that really sets the sport apart from hockey or ringette. Just think about Battle of the Blades. Now don’t those big, tough hockey players look like they are having the time of their lives?”

Who can argue? Watch for the BMO Figure Skating Championships, coming to London, Ontario, January 14-17, 2010, where the qualifiers for the Olympics will be selected. And be sure to visit the new, fan-based website at www.skatebuzz.com for more information.