Figure skating club now U.S.-sanctioned

Jordan Valley Figure Skating Club was sanctioned in late September as a provisional member of U.S. Figure Skating, the governing organization for competitive figure skating in the United States. Jordan Valley Figure Skating Club officials have been working through the sanctioning process for almost one year, according to a Jordan Valley Park news release. All figure skaters who are chosen to represent the United States in national and international competitions must have tested with and be members of USFS. In the past, Jordan Valley figure skaters have had to become members of clubs in other communities to compete and test under USFS guidelines.

Jordan Valley Figure Skating Club officials expect to be granted full member status at USFS Governing Council in May 2005. While USFS collaborates with Jordan Valley Ice Park, their boards operate independently of each other.

Jordan Valley Figure Skating Club has various membership levels from beginning to competitive skating.

Jordan Valley Figure Skating Club members Bethany Shinn and Anna Berry represented the club in USFS regional competition in October. Several opportunities are available this fall to watch Jordan Valley Ice Park figure skaters in action, beginning Nov. 20 with the Festival of Lights kick-off, followed by the winter ice show Dec. 18.

Additionally, the ice park named Thomas Shaw its newest instructor. Shaw has been tabbed the ice park’s most advanced skater, with 20 years of skating experience and competition at the highest level for both the International Skating Institute and USFS. Shaw’s background in music, dance and skating has provided the opportunity for ice dance classes at the ice park.