Blenheim Skating Competition a Hit, See Video

Blenheim, Ontario – The 2012 Futures – West Invitational Skating Competition was a huge success in Blenheim this weekend, bringing in roughly 375 skaters, and thousands of spectators.

Local skaters, aged 4 through 12 from across Chatham-Kent and Southwestern Ontario competed in the two day skating competition, and also flooded local stores, restaurants, and attractions, providing a huge boost to the Blenheim and Chatham-Kent economy over the weekend.

“We can estimate about 2000 extra people coming into a small community, to hopefully enjoy what is being offered here, and bring extra revenue to the community,” said Sharron Skipper, the Tilbury Skating Club President and Kent Region Skating Council Chair.

Blenheim organizer Richard Ainsworth also called the two day event a success, “It’s been, for sure a successful weekend. We can tell just by the sales of the programs, flowers that are being sold, the canteen has a steady flow of people going through there, which has benefits to the arena. Just the numbers of people walking through the door are amazing in itself.”

More importantly, organizers see the event as an opportunity to showcase skating locally in hopes of boosting registrations in local skating clubs.

CKSN will have details and results later this week from the event. Click play on the video below to watch local skaters competing, and hear more from organizers Sharron Skipper and Richard Ainsworth,