These pictures of the 2002 Rose Bowl Competition for Synchronized Skating were taken at the Max Bell Arena in Calgary on January 12 - 13, 2002. Teams of skaters took part in categories ranging from "Pre-Juvenile Under 10" to "Masters". In addition to the thumbnails, we have photographs of the more senior teams listed by category and team name, Click the "Menu" button on the left to select view and photograph quality. Click thumbnails to see enlargements in this window. Pictures may require scrolling. Make sure your browser does not automatically resize the pictures.
This event was put on by the Calalta Community Figure Skating Club of Calgary. As the name suggests, Synchronized Skating involves teams of ice skaters performing in unison. You can see from the photographs that there are some common components, such as skating in circles, lines and blocks. What is not so easy to see in the pictures are some tricky moves which require discipline, skill and strong nerves.
Figure Skating is difficult enough in its own right, so having to synchronize movements with a whole team leaves even less room for error. When complex patterns or movements were performed successfully, the audience cheered and applauded to show their appreciation. No cheering was louder than that given to the Calgary Special Olympics Synchronized Skating Team, the "Specialty Blades", which performed as part of the Opening Ceremonies.
In the background, volunteers organized and ran the competition efficiently, with the same precision as was shown on the ice. Also in the background, some people put in a lot of work on the costumes and make up. The make up is accentuated to allow audiences to see features far across the arena under harsh lighting, in the same manner as theatrical make up. I didn't always get the shot I wanted on the competition day, so my apologies to those teams for whom I have used photographs from the practice sessions.
Peter Reath
| Calgary Scenes | Ski jumping at COP | Slalom Ski Racing | World Cup Luge | Speed Skating |
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