IW skaters and head coach Terri Smith are off to Deeside Leisure Centre this week to take part in the Welsh IJS synchronized skating and free skating championships on 19 to 22 October.

On Tuesday 19 October the Island’s junior synchronized skating team, the Wight Jewels, will take on Nottingham to try to win the Welsh title. The Jewels, made up of girls aged from 12 to 18, are reigning British champions and are ranked 19th in the world. It’s the Jewels’ first opportunity this season to try out their new short and long programmes in competition.

On Wednesday, 14-year-old Archie Bicknell will compete in the novice men’s free skating event, aiming to set a new personal best.

And on Thursday, 15-year-old Maggie Read will compete in the junior ladies short programme. With a high number of entries in this category, Maggie has to finish in the top 24 to be able to compete in the long programme on Friday.

We wish all our skaters good luck.