| This past year has been a very exciting one for the Bowmanville S.C. and The Durham Region Skating Academy. With many successes at both Regional, Provincial and National competitions the skaters of this strong skating co-operative have been learning that it isn't an easy climb to the top. With most skater's averaging ten hours of on-ice time, little lone the time spent off-ice in various supplemental training, it leaves very little time for homework, relaxation and family time. In fact some skaters are not able to put in as much time as required because of lengthy trips to the rink. Some skaters come to Durham from as far away as Bobcaygeon, Peterborough, Ajax, Cobourg, Port Hope etc. for their lessons and ice time. What has been a huge success in other Training Centers is the development of a campus atmosphere. Having the schools work with the skating clubs in order to provide the most time efficient schedule for the "skating student". It is important that these athletes also excel in other aspects of life such as school and family. Other than for the obvious reasons it also creates good health and positive attitudes in and out of the rink. That is why what is happening between the Lakeridge School Board, Bowmanville SC and Durham Region Skating Academy is so exciting. It has been arranged that skaters who meet the qualifications are able to go to schools which are within walking distance of the rink. To these skaters the "THREE R's" has just incorporated the Rink. The school day will be incorporated also with the rink with planned activities which supplement their skating ie. ballet, gymnastics or ice time. The regular school curriculum will still be taught at the neighboring schools with an allotment of time for training time to go towards school credit. This is also beneficial for the Clarington Community. Ice time that is usually sitting open during the day is now being used by the skaters helping to subsidize some of the costs of the new Courtice Arena. Opportunities like these for young athletes are few and far between and it is fantastic to see it happening locally. Most skaters wind up having to leave home at young ages so that they can be part of a campus environment such as this. The Clarington Community has just helped keep some of this young talent local. |
| Reading Writing and the Rink |