Winter Olympian joins Watford's Festive Skaters

Thursday, 18 December 2014 13:37

Winter Olympian and five-time British national ice dance champion Marika Humphreys-Baranova visited Watford’s first outdoor ice rink on Sunday 21st December.

Marika performed solo on the Watford's first outdoor ice rink for 15 minutes from 2.45pm. Then from 3pm to 3.45pm, she gave tips to skaters on how to become as good as she is. This will be her second visit after previously teachingt skaters new skills including how to turn, start, stop, sit down and stand up earlier this month.

Marika said: “I love ice skating and I think a lot of people would love it if they had a go at it and could understand it better. It is still very much a minority sport and it would be great if people could have a go, learn about it and then learn to love it.” She has also launched the website Iceskating London to encourage more people to take up ice skating.

The Big Skate is part of Watford Borough Council’s Big Events programme, which has also included the Big Screen, Diwali on the Parade, Party by the Pond and the Big Family Sports Day. Mayor Dorothy Thornhill said: “I think it is a real bonus in Watford at Christmas to have this ice rink and everybody should try it at least once – even me. It is great to have someone of Marika’s calibre come in and give our ice rink her seal of approval.”

Skating sessions last 45 minutes are the prices are £10 per adult, £7 per child under 16 and £30 per family of four. You can book in advane by phoning Watford Palace Theatre on 01923 225671 or visiting Watford Palace Theatre.

The next Big Event organised by Watford Borough Council will be Digital Illuminations – a surreal animated short film projected onto historic Jacksons Jewellers in the centre of town. The animation will be shown at 5.30pm, 6.30pm and 7.30pm from Thursday 15 January to Sunday 18 January.

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