COACHES CORNER
National Coach Apprenticeship Program
Hello Coaches, Parents, Skaters, Officials, and Section Staff, The 2013 ISU World Figure Skating Championships have come and gone but not without a tremendous feeling of pride being a Canadian Citizen in London, Ontario hosting the championships. Congratulations to Skate Canada, London, and athletes that represented Canada, Outstanding! Great job. Not to mention watching and cheering on our representative, Kaetlyn Osmond. I, Don Cowan, was part of the 30 plus selected coaches to be part of the NCAP in London this year to observe, network, renew some hellos, and listen/learn from the best in the field from Canada. This seminar was jam packed of activities with some great balance to observations in practices, class room sessions, and to the events. As well, social time at the end. The day started off bright and early, up at 6:30 a.m. and back to the hotel about 11:00 p.m. 4 days straight. Thank goodness I had a pen that didn’t quit on me, many notes from all the info coming in and not much time to process until I got home. I’m still reflecting on the week from my notes and video. It took me a day at World’s just to take this in and realize, “I’m part of World’s!” Wow, just Awesome! There is nothing that compares like seeing, feeling, hearing, and touching this event. Television does not give this huge event the credit it deserves and brings to all. You need to live it to believe it! People from all corners of the World to enjoy and participate. The venue, the streets, the markets, everywhere was skating fever. I saw at a coffee house, a male staff/server dressed up in a skating dress for the week, Brave! Again, Thank you to the Alberta-NWT/Nunavut Section for giving me this opportunity and having me represent Skate Canada: Alberta-NWT/Nunavut. My biggest memory for the 2013 Worlds was sitting in the press area, with our headsets on listening to the caller, across from the judges overseeing the events as they unfolded in front of my eyes. Best seats in the house. Just incredible! Thank you to Skate Canada reprehensive Josee Bourdon, our Team Leader Michelle Leigh, the callers Raoul Leblanc/ Shae Zakusky, and our presenters, Judy Goss, Lori Nicol, Monica Lockie, Carol Lane, Yuka Sato, Brian Orser, and Patrica Chafe. With true pleasure, Don Cowan St. Albert Skating Centre
13