Story by Hillary Di Menna
Video by Ashley Anthony
Video by Ashley Anthony
On a Monday afternoon two people wobbled forward on their quest to learn to skate. Patience Di Menna -Vecchiola, 5, and Joshua Fitchett, 29, took a few tumbles but made progress.
The Kindegarden student had a head start, being on the ice a few times before, “I did practice skating. I was excited to teach Josh!” Mike Mackenzie is a Durham College student and a recreational hockey player who has witnessed the little one’s progress on the ice, “Before she was afraid, now she’s really enjoying it. Before, after every lap she asked to get off the ice, now she’s asking to stay on longer.” On this day he noticed that she tries to walk on the ice the way she would normally and that she had her feet at odd angles. He suggests that those learning to skate keep their knees bent, and feet shoulder length apart. As for Fitchett, “His biggest problem was that he already convinced himself that he couldn’t do it,” Mackenzie said. “But once he gave it an honest try you could see an improvement almost immediately." Josh Fitchett and Patience Di Menna-Vecchiola taking strides together.
Photo by Hillary Di Menna |
Fitchett wasn’t excited originally, heading to the bench after less than five minutes. But after a chat and encouraging words from his tiny skating companion, he was back on the ice. "It's a lot harder than it looks. I've never really tried before except for maybe a few times when I was a kid," says Fitchett. "But I would go again!" Patience’s older cousin, Michele Di Menna, is a seasoned skater and former ice skating teacher. She had some tips for those new to skating, “don't look down and don't stick your bum out, you may end up falling on your face!” Di Menna also advises to keep blades sharp, skate laces be tied comfortably and if there is a helper (the blue object in the picture) to not be afraid to use it, no matter your age. The Campus Ice Centre has public skate Monday to Friday from noon to 2 p.m. Durham College and UOIT students get in for free. Skate rentals are available and if you left your helmet behind, they may be able to help you out there as well. For hockey players Stick and Puck is available three times a week as is shinny. For more information on the Campus Ice Centre visit campusicecentre.com Durham Region has 22 community arenas available, find them here. |