We
have 3 teams that represent Inverness , The Moray Dolphins , The Moray Seals and The Northern Lights.
The teams first evolved in 2001 where they were first recognised at a Christmas show for parents. A member of NISA (National
Ice Skating Association) watched one of these performances and therefore involved the Moray Dolphins in their Scottish Open
Championships in Dumfries. This opened new doors for the skaters.
In 2004 the teams were invited to Edinburgh
to perform at the switch on of the Christmas lights. With 4 years success in the Scottish Championships, the teams were invited
to the Gala of Champions held in Aberdeen.
In 2007 all three teams took part in the British Finals in Sheffield.
Then in The Scottish Finals in Dumfries and received gold and silver in their events.
Also in 2007 the teams were
awarded Sports Team of The Year at the Local Radio Stations award ceremony. Lots of people voted for them because they have
no sponsorship and still do not.
Sheffield 2010
It was
decided early in 2010 that only one team would represent Inverness in the 2010 British Championships and that team would be
the Moray Dolphins. Due to restrictions beyond our control the girls only available practice time would be at 6:00am on a
sunday morning. With this there was a line of very tired looking girls turning up for practice but after wiping the sleep
from their eyes gave 100% continuously practicing the routine over and over again. As the competiton grew closer we unfortunately
lost a couple of skaters which left us the task of finding a new skater to fit into the team. A skater from one of the other
teams was chosen and training commenced again. The trip to Sheffield was good with all the girls in good spirit and showing
no sign of nerves. Finally the day of the competition arrived and we all headed off to the venue. The girls finished off their
hair and make-up and readied themselves for their practice session. The practice went well with all the girls smiling and
heads held high...... After a break the time had arrived and the competition began we sat and watched all the other teams
carry out their routines waiting for our event to arrive. Sheffield and Basingstoke skated before us both putting in good
routines.
Finally after all the early mornings our time had arrived. The girls took to
the ice and moved into their starting positions , the music started ..... now it was our skaters time to show what all the
hard work , dedication and friendship had done for them. They started well holding their lines straight , heads up and beaming
smiles on all 15 faces. As they neared the end of their routine they skated towards the end where the parents were sat watching
and willing them on. They finished their routine and got a big cheer from all the parents. They lined up alongside their Coach
waiting what seemed to be an eternity for their results , the compare read out the results and announced that we were in 1st
place. The girls erupted enjoying the feeling knowing that there were 2 teams left to skate but knowing they had gained a
place on the podium. The skaters retreated to the changing room not wanting to see the last 2 teams go through their routines.
Altrincham took to the ice and skated well putting them into 2nd place. We were still in 1st place with 1 more team to skate.
Lee Valley carried out a good routine and stood with their coach waiting for the results. I have to say now , this competition
was different , it felt different , different from all the other competitions they had taken part in. This was their time
to shine.
The results were read out , in what seemed like an
eternity the parents just looked at each other as it finally dawned on us all THEY HAD WON ..... !
I can safely say i have never seen so many tears from the parents and i have to say with great pride from myself i just
lost it and sobbed ...... Being the only male their i think i was supposed to show restraint. Sorry it didnt happen ......
i sobbed like a baby.
Our trip back home was realtively quiet with most of the girls sleeping due to the long day before. As we arrived
back in Inverness one of the girls received a call from coach who was still in Sheffield. Not only were they British Champions
but also had received 2 other awards. Most Enjoyable Performance and Team of the Year 2010.A perfect End to a Memorable Competition.
As
the Team Manager i would like to add this message for the skaters and their Coach Amanda.
Girls i would just like you to know just how proud we are of all of you for what you acheived during this
competition. You showed us all just how commited you are , not only as a team .... but as friends also. The memory of this
competition will stay with us all for a very long time to come .... xxx
Amanda i just wanted to thank you on behalf
of all the parents and myself for putting in all the hours you have put in, for all the work in the background you have had
to do for this competition ... but mostly for being a great coach. xxx
