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NEWS & NOTESTop 10 Reasons to Attend ISI West Coast Championships
by Eileen Viglione
Good things bear repeating, and ISI West Coast Championships is no exception. Our 2023 event on the Pacific Coast returns to Sprinker Recreation Center in Tacoma, Wash., April 21-23. Test and entry deadline is March 1.
Top Reasons to Attend
1. You Love to Skate and Compete in FUN ISI National Events!
And skating and competing in the Pacific Northwest will give you all sorts of “feels” — and not necessarily from your skating! (Breathtaking scenery and endless adventure await!)
2. Natural Beauty of the Pacific Northwest
With its evergreen forests, mountains galore and miles of coastline, this part of the country is hands-down unsurpassed in scenic beauty.
3. Terrific “T-Town!”
Nestled in the banks of the Puget Sound, with the majestic Mount Rainer looming in the background, Tacoma, affectionately known as “T-town” to locals, offers the perfect mix of urban sophistication, outdoorsy splendor and cultural creativity.
Sprinker Recreation Center
4. The Splendid Sprinker Recreation Center
This family-friendly facility, with equally amiable staff, features a spectacular NHL-size ice surface, plus indoor and outdoor tennis courts, racquetball courts and outdoor basketball courts, skateboarding park, walking trails and man-made rock formation for climbing.
Foss Waterway Seaport
Point Defiance Zoo & Acquarium
5. Awesome Attractions
In addition to its raw beauty, Tacoma offers plenty of sights to see and places to explore. Popular attractions include: Foss Waterway Seaport, where you can learn about the region’s maritime roots; 6th Ave., where you can shop and eat to your heart’s content; Mount Rainier National Park, one of the oldest national parks in the country; Museum Row, including Chihuly Glass Museum; Ruston Waterfront; Tacoma Nature Center; and Point Defiance Park, consisting of a zoo and aquarium, living history museum, rose garden, numerous trails, beach and Five Mile Drive.
6. You Love to Skate and Compete in FUN ISI National Events!
Did we mention this already? Our “bad,” but we just can’t stress this enough!
7. Crazy Good Coffee
While Seattle may be considered the coffee capital of the United States, Tacoma has its own unique coffee culture brewing. A good cup of java from one of the many local shops/roasters will keep you (or your parents/guardians) running (and skating) day after day!
Chihuly Bridge of Glass
8. Vibrant Arts Scene
Glass blowing. Ballet. Music. Theater. Painting. Sculpture. Photography. Opera. And more! Tacoma serves up an impressive array of both visual and performing arts. In fact, the city is funding 58 non-profit organizations, to the tune of approximately $4.5 million, to support local art, culture and science programs. Explore the many local art galleries as well as downtown’s Museum Row, which includes six fabulous museums. Don’t’ miss the Chihuly Bridge of Glass, a 500-foot pedestrian bridge with stunning Chihuly glass installations.
9. Thriving Restaurants
With its diverse mix of restaurants, from hole-in-the-wall joints to fine dining establishments, the city won’t disappoint “foodies.” You’ll find locally-sourced cuisine as well as a variety of international dishes to suit any palate.
10. “Hostess with the Mostess”
Sprinker Recreation Center Figure Skating Program Coordinator Janice Teodoro-Forbes, aka Madame President (of the ISI), will be our lovely host of West Coast Champs, and we have no doubt that she and the entire Sprinker crew and volunteers will do a fantastic job of helping the ISI staff run this wonderful competition for our skaters.
Photos Courtesy of Travel Tacoma
BEST PHOTO OP
A Tacoma landmark since 1927, the legendary Bob’s Java Jive, a 25-foot-tall coffee pot shaped building (bar), is the perfect backdrop for a unique photo op! Check it out at 2102 South Tacoma Way.
MORE INFO
Established in 1959, the Ice Sports Industry (ISI) — creator of America’s first learn-to-skate curriculum — is an international trade association encompassing all aspects of the ice sports industry. Our goal is to promote ice skating as a participant sport and recreational activity for everyone — all ages and abilities.
