"Sailors" from the Meadow Lake Skating Club performed on the ice during the club’s annual carnival at the Pineridge Ford Arena on March 23, 2025. (Kenneth Cheung/ meadowlakeNOW Staff)

By Kenneth Cheung

FIGURE SKATING

WATCH: Meadow Lake skaters dazzle at “A Sea Fair” carnival

Mar 24, 2025 | 8:45 AM

After a year of training, competition, and non-stop practice, over 60 skaters from the Meadow Lake Skating Club took to the ice Sunday afternoon, showcasing their hard work at the club’s annual carnival in Pineridge Ford Arena.

“I just love the sport and having fun with friends and all that,” said Kinley Gilroyed, who has been skating with the club for eight years.

This year’s carnival, A Sea Fair brought a splash of ocean-inspired performances to the rink.

“The skaters were asked to choose songs that related to the ocean or something with water movement,” said head coach Jackie Gilroyed. “There’s all sorts of different fun, upbeat pieces of music, and they’ll have different costumes and themes for each group.”

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The skaters put their best moves on display.

“I’m going to show you an axle, a salchow, a lutz, a loop, and a flip toe,” Kinley said.

For Emma Hadland, a four-year club member, the event was a chance to show off her latest skill.

“A flip,” she said. When asked why it was difficult, she explained “it just takes lots of time and balance.”

Off the ice, parents and volunteers transformed the rink with themed decorations.

“They’re going to have a ship in the corner, coral reef, some fish drawings on the boards,” Gilroyed said. “We’ve also talked about renting a fog machine… lots of colors, lots of different props around the rink.”

Gilroyed said the club’s season has been packed with events leading up to the carnival.

“I think we’ve done three competitions … we went to one in Dalmeny this year … our regional winter club was in Saint Walburg … we went to a fun meet in Paradise Hill,” she said, adding that some skaters also competed at the Winter Classic in Regina.

A special guest skater, Sadie How, also made an appearance. She is one of the club’s past members. (Kenneth Cheung/ meadowlakeNOW Staff)

For the skaters, the event was a celebration of their growth and achievements.

“I love watching our girls perform because they really deserve it,” Gilroyed added. “It’s really good for them to be able to perform in their home community … and to see their achievement over the years and their improvements.”

With a new rink set to open in the fall, she said the club is looking ahead to another exciting season. But for now, the skaters can take a well-earned victory lap.

(Kenneth Cheung/ meadowlakeNOW Staff)

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Kenneth.Cheung@pattisonmedia.com