Vacaville Ice Sports Is 2023 ISI Theatrical Challenge Champion!

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by ISI Editor - Dec 7, 2023Read more

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While you can’t buy happiness, as the saying goes, you can sure find it — and that’s what skaters did at the 2023 ISI Theatrical Challenge, held Oct. 21-22.

Two hundred thirteen competitors from 13 teams competed in this event staged at the extraordinary Snoopy’s Home Ice in San Jose, Calif. Built in 1969 by the late Peanuts comic strip creator Charles M. Schulz, the charming facility, reminiscent of a vintage Swiss ski chalet, had skaters feeling as if they had stepped into a wondrous fairytale.

Participants had the unique opportunity to perform under fun and colorful lighting in several non-technical events, such as Artistic, Spotlight, Rhythmic, Ensemble and Production, to name a few.

Vacaville Ice Sports, 2023 ISI Theatrical Challenge Champion

Vacaville Ice Sports of Vacaville, Calif., was proclaimed the winner of the event.

Full Competition Results

“This was our first time at the Theatrical event, and it was wonderful,” said Wanda Butters, mom of Lelani Butters, a member of Vacaville Ice Sports. “I saw the camaraderie with the skaters and to compete with all the different levels is challenging and very much welcome. Getting to hang out at the Snoopy’s rink cafe [Warm Puppy Cafe] with fellow skaters was beautiful”

“It was the girls’ [on the team] first time competing in Theatrical Challenge,” added Rhea Babula, mom of skater Sasha Lago Babula. “They had so much fun and excitement — more than I expected. Thanks to their coach Ms. Kim Navarro, with her unconditional love, patience and flexibility with the girls’ schedules. We can’t wait to do it again next year!”

ISI Skating Programs and National Events Director Kim Hansen stated that it was “great fun to run a national event in such a charming rink and everyone seemed to be having a good time — even Snoopy!”

HIGHLIGHTS

Oldest Skaters

Cheryl Graffi,78, Pasadena Ice Skating Center, Pasadena, Calif.; Bill Daniels, 78, Snoopy’s Home Ice, Santa Rosa, Calif.

Most Events

Robert Trygstad, 12 events, Vacaville Ice Sports, Vacaville, Calif.; Jenny Perona, 9 events, Vacaville Ice Sports; Tammy Goecks, 6 events, Pasadena Ice Skating Center, Pasadena, Calif.; Nicole Targosz, 5 events, Tri Valley Ice Dublin, Dublin, Calif.

Largest Skating Teams

Sharks Ice San Jose, 64 skaters; Snoopy’s Home Ice, 39 skaters; Vacaville Ice Sports, 32 skaters; Tri Valley Ice Dublin, 29 skaters; Skatetown Ice Arena, 28 skaters.

Team from Largest Distance

Dreamers Skating School, Burnaby, British Columbia, 747 miles

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. Learn more about the ISI Ice Skating Program.

Submitted 2023 ISI Theatrical Challenge Photos