Illinois hosts world's largest ice skating competition

More than 4,000 skaters will be in the spotlight at six suburban rinks.

(Photo by Rita Kallman. Courtesy of the Park District of Highland Park.)

By Jennifer Nolan Miller and Jim Lange

Thousands of skaters from every corner of the country will be gathering in the Chicago area August 10-15 for the Seventh Annual Ice Skating Institute of America (ISIA) Recreational Team Championships of the U.S.

The first annual ISIA championship was held in the Chicago area six years ago, and the event is returning this year with the largest group of competitors ever. More than 4,000 skaters ranging in ages from three to 75 will make-this skating competition the world's largest.

The Annual Team Championships provide five days of bright lights, colorful costumes, entertaining music, and tons of enthusiasm that light up the ice, making it an enjoyable evening of entertainment for the entire family.

Open to any ISIA skater, the championship features competition in more than 23 categories, including freestyle, figure, dance, spotlight light entertainment, spotlight dramatic, precision teams, tot

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teams, production numbers, comedy groups and many more.

ISIA

The Ice Skating Institute of America is a national organization dedicated to providing quality ice skating programs for the community and the recreational ice skater. This is accomplished by providing group classes, and testing and competitive programs, designed to set the standard for all ages and levels of ability.

Agency involvement

Hosting the ISIA Team Championships this year are six rinks in the Chicagoland area: Park District of Highland Park's Centennial Ice Arena, Glenview Park District's Glenview Ice Center, Northbrook Park District's Northbrook Sport Center, Wilmette Park District's Centennial Ice Rink, Winnetka Park District's Winnetka Ice Arena, and the Evanston Recreation Department's Robert Crown Ice Center. These rinks are within a 15-mile radius of one another, creating an excellent environment for a competition of this size.

Participating districts provide a strong network of support, making it possible for this event to be held in Illinois. Hours of preparation and planning go into a competition of this size, along with the commitment by several of the host rinks to make ice during their off season. Other area rink managers are working closely with ISIA to provide publicity, lodging and transportation which will insure the success of this event.

A family affair

The five-day championship often becomes a family affair, with several members of the family entering the competition or simply coming along for the fun. Many families

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plan their yearly vacations around the championships. A typical family might have a younger skater entered in freestyle, and dad entered in the adult large group category.

The Pierantoni family of Highland Park, IL, is one of the many skating families looking forward to the August championships. Danielle, age 11, will be competing in her second ISIA championship. With fond memories of the 1985 annual championship in Dallas, TX, Danielle is excited about competing this year in the patch free style, production and precision team categories.

Beginning her skating career 7 1/2 years ago, Danielle remembers, "I was influenced by my brother, Mark, because he made it look like so much fun."

Mark is a competitor in ice dance and speed skating, and mom, Karen Pierantoni, is very proud of both kids.

"Skating is a very healthy sport that the kids can enjoy all their lives. . . . Through the ISIA competitions Danielle writes to friends in Ohio, Texas, and other states. I've been very happy that they have both competed and enjoyed it," states Mrs. Pierantoni.

Mark your calendar for the ISIA team championships!

Like many ice skating parents, the Pierantonis offer a great deal of support to their children's love for ice skating. From driving the kids to 6 a.m. rehearsals at the rink to working backstage at the annual local ice show, the parents prove their importance to ice skating programs across the country.

Mrs. Pierantoni expresses the thoughts of many parents, pros, rink managers and ISIA staff members when she says, "It's all worth it when you see them in a world of their own on the ice!"

Ice skating is always fun. Visit the Seventh Annual ISIA Recreational Team Championships August 10-15 in Chicago.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS:
Jennifer Nolan Miller is the public relations and marketing coordinator at the Park District of Highland Park.
Jim Lange is the manager of the district's Centennial Ice Rink.

Illinois Parks and Recreation 11 July/August 1987