ROBYN REELICK
The Nelson Artistic Skating Club is celebrating one of its strongest performances in recent years after an exceptional showing at the New Zealand Artistic Skating Championships.
Competing against 168 of the country’s top skaters from 15 clubs, Nelson’s team of just 11 skaters finished an impressive fourth overall on club points—a remarkable achievement that reflects the dedication, perseverance and talent within the small but passionate club.
Adding to the success, Keiko Bamba, Tara Westwood, Hayley Nam, Valencia Reelick and Rosie Price collected a combined 10 national championship medals across a range of disciplines, capping off a year of hard work, determination and commitment.
The six-day championships were a true test of endurance, with competition beginning at 7.30am each day and often continuing until 10pm. Throughout the event, Nelson’s skaters demonstrated resilience, professionalism and composure while competing against New Zealand’s best.
The team also faced a unique challenge. While they train on a concrete skating surface in Nelson, the national championships were contested on a polished wooden floor. This required skaters to carefully test the surface, adjust wheel compounds and adapt their skating style to achieve the best possible performance.
Behind every routine was a year of planning, creativity and teamwork. Music was carefully selected, costumes were designed to complement each performance, and choreography was created to showcase each skater’s individual strengths and personality. Countless hours were spent refining technique, timing, artistry and presentation, ensuring every routine not only met the technical requirements but also told a story that engaged judges and spectators alike.
One of the highlights of the championships was the confidence and expressive showmanship displayed by Nelson’s skaters. Their polished performances reflected not only their technical ability but also the passion and creativity that make artistic skating such a unique and exciting sport.
For the skaters, the championships represented far more than medals and placings. They marked the culmination of a year of early mornings, late nights, disciplined training and unwavering determination. Every member of the team returned home with a tremendous sense of pride, achievement and motivation.
With many skaters now progressing into higher grades, preparations for the next season are already underway. Programme planning has begun, new music is being selected, costume designs are taking shape, and more challenging choreography and footwork combinations are being developed as the club looks ahead to another exciting year of competition.
The Nelson Artistic Skating Club extends its sincere thanks to its dedicated coaches, volunteers, officials, families and supporters. Their encouragement, countless hours of work and unwavering commitment continue to provide local skaters with opportunities to succeed on the national stage.
Inspired by the club’s success? The Nelson Artistic Skating Club warmly welcomes new members of all ages and abilities. Free "Give It a Go" sessions are held every Saturday morning, providing a fun, friendly and supportive environment for anyone interested in experiencing the exciting sport of artistic skating. Whether you're looking for a new hobby, a fun way to stay active, or simply keen to learn something new, everyone is encouraged to come along and give it a try.
This year’s National Championships have highlighted the strength of the Nelson Artistic Skating Club, proving that despite being one of the smaller clubs in the country, it continues to produce skaters capable of competing alongside New Zealand’s best.
Small in numbers but big in heart, the club’s success is a reflection of the dedication of its skaters, coaches, volunteers and families. With another successful season complete and preparations already underway for the year ahead, the Nelson Artistic Skating Club can look to the future with confidence as it continues to build on its growing reputation on the national stage.
