Great Neck Park District’s Synchronized Skating teams competed at the 2016 U.S.F.S. Empire State Winter Games which were held in Lake Placid at the 1980 Olympic Ice Rink.
This event brings athletes together from across New York State and beyond.
The opening ceremonies kicked off the competition on Feb. 4.
Each athlete was presented with a competition warm-up jacket and was individually introduced in the historic arena, as family and friends cheered them on.
The event continued through Feb. 6.
The teams, Ice Gems, Icicles and Icettes, enjoyed the preparation leading up to the competition almost as much as the event itself.
Synchronized ice skating is unlike any other sport because the strength of the whole team is valued over individual talent.
Practicing teamwork is the most important element. It was a challenge for the entire team to depend on each other, moving in unison as they competed against the best teams in their division.
The Ice Gems, Great Neck’s Beginner Basic Skills 1 line came in second place out of five teams.
The Icicles, the Beginner Basic Skills 2 line performed their best so far, placing fourth out of seven teams.
Coaches Erica Beggs, Audra Smith and Carole Liotti said they are very proud of each team’s achievements.
The Ice Gems and The Icicles will participate in their last competition on Feb. 28 at Chelsea Piers Sky Rink in New York City.
The Icettes, did a great job although this was the last competition of the season for them.
“The hard work paid off and we are hoping to continue to build this team for the 2016/2017 season,” Liotti said. “The girls created strong bonds with one another and worked extremely hard on and off the ice. This is a special group who I am very fortunate to coach and manage”.
Come to the Andrew Stergiopoulos Ice Rink on Sunday, March 20 to watch the Synchro teams and Skate School students perform in the Annual Skate Show.
