Blades of Glory

This past Sunday, young skaters from Greenwich and other nearby towns vied for medals at the Dorothy Hamill Skating Rink, which was home to the 34th annual Greenwich Town Competition held by the Windy Hill Skating Club and the Town of Greenwich Parks and Recreation Department.

The event is held to encourage young skaters and provide an opportunity for them to compete. It also serves as the first competition for many of the skaters.

In addition to medals, skaters were honored with special awards. The Alis W. McCurdy Cup, which went to the younger competitors, was presented to the skater showing potential in figure skating with the best presentation of the music or theme in a freestyle event. The Dorothy Hamill Cup was awarded to the skater who showed the most overall potential as a competitive skater and the Kaye Haggerty Trophy honor went to a skater 11 years old or older who showed potential in figure skating by performing the best presentation of the music or theme in the competitive program in a freestyle event.

World Champion professional skater Lucinda Ruh, a Swedish national who recently moved to Greenwich, attended the event. A two-time national gold medalist and Guinness Book World Record holder for fastest and longest spinner on the ice, Ruh, who retired from professional skating three years ago, continues to mentor and coaches local skaters. She said that having the opportunity to skate before an audience and be judged gives the young skaters self-esteem and confidence.