MARIPOSA SCHOOL OF SKATING
*************************
The Mariposa School of Skating was represented by six singles skaters, two pair teams and three ice-dance teams at the Skate Ontario Sectional Qualifying Championships Nov. 4-7 in Milton, Ont.
Bringing home a gold medal in pre-novice singles, Oscar Oliver skated to a personal-best score earning him a spot at the national event. Oscar was not considered high performance during the pandemic and had to train off the ice. Thanks to the dedication of himself and his coaching team, led by Janice Morgan, he was able to come back even stronger from being in lockdown.
Gavin Mahoney, in novice men, also qualified for the upcoming event by finishing fourth. Rachel Martins, Alex Short, Idil Kutukoglu competed in pre-novice ladies and Alisha Edington competed in the junior ladies category.
In the pre-novice pairs event, Josie Iocco and Oscar Oliver finished in first place, Siyul (Bella) Back and Gavin Mahoney in second place. The two teams will also have the opportunity to compete for national rankings in Regina, Sask.
Mariposa has been successful in rebuilding its pairs program under the direction of Janice Morgan and Ryan Arnold this past season.
Olympian Mitch Islam has returned home to direct the dance program with his father, co-owner of Mariposa School of Skating. Dana Sabatini-Speciale and Nicholas Buelow won a silver medal in the novice ice-dance category to be joined by teammates Aaliyah Racki and Kyle Sung in pre-novice and Sophia Gover and Dan Patriquin in Regina.
Mariposa School of Skating is one of only two training centres in Ontario to have skaters qualify in all three disciplines for the Skate Canada Challenge event held in Regina. The Mariposa School of Skating, known for being home to Olympians Brian Orser, Elvis Stojko and Jeff Buttle, continues to thrive from the team coaching approach, on- and off-ice training and multi-disciplined environment.
*************************
