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Keri Ferguson, Director of the Skating Academy at the Bellingham Sportsplex, fondly recalls her long career as a figure skating coach. “I have coached babies who now have their own babies skating,” Ferguson says.

Ferguson arrived at the Sportsplex in August of 2015. She may be new to Bellingham, but she is not new to the sport of ice skating. Her 30-year coaching career included time in Portland and Tacoma. Some of her students have progressed to great professional success in Olympic and International coaching.

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The Skating Academy Skate Camps provide a great opportunity for kids to learn the basics of skating. Photo courtesy: Keri Ferguson.

“Being in this position is like coming full circle,” Ferguson says of her work with the Skating Academy. “It’s the cherry on the cupcake!”

From beginning skating skills to more advanced training, the Skating Academy provides an opportunity for anyone wanting to experience the sport and the beauty of figure skating. With a staff of highly qualified instructors, the Skating Academy teaches students figure skating skills certified under Learn to Skate USA, a nationally recognized organization.

Skating Academy instructors are all certified through the Learn to Skate USA program as well. Each holds at least one gold medal in their field of testing, making them highly qualified and accomplished as skaters and instructors. Many of the instructors are from Western Washington’s Figure Skating Team. Some are even students of Ferguson’s former students.

The Skating Academy began offering a new Summer Camp in 2016. “We are continuously moving in a forward direction,” Ferguson says. “Summer is the perfect time to be on the ice. It keeps the kids involved. Each camper leaves with a great experience.”

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With experienced instructors, young skaters are introduced to the sport of skating in a fun environment. Photo courtesy: Keri Ferguson.

Both the summer and upcoming Winter Camps are designed to teach basic skills associated with skating. Participants in the camps learn these skills both on and off the ice. They practice and then perform in a show. At the end of their experience, they are given a certificate. For those beyond the introductory level, a Junior Skate Camp and an Advanced Skate Camp are also available.

Throughout the year, the Skating Academy offers weekly classes teaching both basic and advanced skills. The Academy also offers a Basic Skills program teaching boys and girls the basics of skating. Students can then choose to continue with figure skating or hockey.

“We get a huge amount of support from the hockey director and the Sportsplex, as well as the Skating Academy participants,” Ferguson says. “I’m truly lucky to be here.”

The Skating Academy works directly with the Bellingham Figure Skating Club, which Ferguson is a member of. Many members of the Figure Skating Club began in the Skating Academy where they first fell in love with the sport of figure skating, often at a very young age.

With over 100 skaters, the Skating Academy continues to grow as the community discovers the sport of figure skating. Ferguson often finds herself on the ice teaching with the other instructors. “I love it,” she says. “I have a great staff. We all start this sport because it’s fun. My goal is that people have a great experience here.”

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Each young skater that comes to a camp leaves with a great experience. Photo courtesy: Keri Ferguson.

Part of that experience involves providing opportunities that fit the needs of the community. With the “Home School Skate” program, home schooling families have an opportunity to participate in skating in a meaningful and convenient way. The new “Moms and Tots” program will be specifically designed for moms who want to skate with their young children during the day.

Ferguson, the Skating Academy and the Sportsplex work to support the Figure Skating Club’s many activities by providing instructors and ice time. This year, Ferguson is the Artistic Director for the upcoming show “North Pole Express on Ice” which will be at the Sportsplex on December 9. It’s the Figure Skating Club’s largest ice show and fundraiser. It also supports the Toys for Tots program.

See what skating has to offer by coming to one of the Bellingham Sportsplex’s public skate sessions with your family. Put on a pair of skates and take a spin around the rink. You might be surprised at the amount of fun you have on the ice.

For more information and a Skating Academy schedule, please visit the Bellingham Sportsplex website.

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