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Winterfest wrapped up at the Motto Mclean Ice Arena today, closing out a weekend of figure skating competition that brought athletes from across the Midwest, and even internationally to the metro.The annual event featured skaters of all ages and experience levels, each taking to the ice with routines they’ve spent months preparing. From technical jumps to artistic showcase programs, competitors used the event as both a performance stage and a qualifying opportunity for larger competitions.Clarissa Kimminau, a skater from Westside High School, performed a routine centered on mental health awareness. “My routine focusing on mental health awareness has really meant like a lot as a person because I’ve had a lot of friends, family who struggled with a lot of mental health stuff,” she said.For other skaters, Winterfest serves as a stepping stone toward national competition.“We’re trying to qualify for a national showcase and Excel National Festival,” said Eleanor Liakos.Liakos said the event also draws competitors from outside Nebraska.“We have people competing from Ames, Kansas City, Memphis, and we have a skater representing Bosnia,” she said.While qualifications are part of the weekend, several skaters said the friendships and shared experiences are just as meaningful.“Other than it being a competition, it’s really a good place to come and like make new friends, get a feel for the ice,” Kimminau said. “It’s definitely a good place to create new friends and have that good feeling.”As this year’s Winterfest comes to a close, skaters leave the ice with new experiences, and in some cases, qualification hopes as they look ahead to the rest of the competitive season.
Winterfest wrapped up at the Motto Mclean Ice Arena today, closing out a weekend of figure skating competition that brought athletes from across the Midwest, and even internationally to the metro.
The annual event featured skaters of all ages and experience levels, each taking to the ice with routines they’ve spent months preparing. From technical jumps to artistic showcase programs, competitors used the event as both a performance stage and a qualifying opportunity for larger competitions.
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Clarissa Kimminau, a skater from Westside High School, performed a routine centered on mental health awareness.
“My routine focusing on mental health awareness has really meant like a lot as a person because I’ve had a lot of friends, family who struggled with a lot of mental health stuff,” she said.
For other skaters, Winterfest serves as a stepping stone toward national competition.
“We’re trying to qualify for a national showcase and Excel National Festival,” said Eleanor Liakos.
Liakos said the event also draws competitors from outside Nebraska.
“We have people competing from Ames, Kansas City, Memphis, and we have a skater representing Bosnia,” she said.
While qualifications are part of the weekend, several skaters said the friendships and shared experiences are just as meaningful.
“Other than it being a competition, it’s really a good place to come and like make new friends, get a feel for the ice,” Kimminau said. “It’s definitely a good place to create new friends and have that good feeling.”
As this year’s Winterfest comes to a close, skaters leave the ice with new experiences, and in some cases, qualification hopes as they look ahead to the rest of the competitive season.
