Skating club gets new training tool thanks to support

By Ryan McCracken on February 15, 2018.

Medicine Hat News

The Medicine Hat Skating Club will be innovating their approach to training thanks to some generous support from the community.

A donation from Allen Decima and support from Dynamic Industrial Solutions have allowed the club to purchase an install a jumping harness at the Family Leisure Centre to aid in the development of their young figure skaters.

The harness system hooks up to the rink’s rafter system and allows to work on jumps and landings for specific tricks in a controlled environment with the guidance of their coaches — creating a greater sense of confidence while cutting down on the chances for injury.

“Thanks to Mr. Decima we purchased the harness,” Dana Duscherer of the Medicine Hat Skating Club said in an email to the News, adding Decima’s late wife loved the sport of figure skating. “Though not a skater herself, she loved to watch it. Mr. Decima wanted to honour Lorna and celebrate her love for the sport through a donation.”

After Decima came forth with the donation to purchase the harness, the club required assistance in installing and storing the device at the Family Leisure Centre. That’s when Donovan Bellamy of Redcliff-based Dynamic Industrial Solutions stepped up to the plate.

“He asked me about the harness, why we wanted it and what are the benefits. He proceeded to say it was obvious how excited we were to get this harness for our current and future skaters and informed me he would love to donate the installation,” Duscherer said in the letter. “Almost speechless, we finished the conversation where I proceeded to run out to the ice surface to let everyone know of the amazing news.”

The club held a formal demonstration for Decima, Bellamy and his crew on Jan. 29 to showcase what the harness is capable of and just how much it means to the club, which will surely be growing as a result of thier newest training tool.

“We truly can not put into words our appreciation, but the impact this has made for us already is unmeasurable,” said Duscherer.