Marinaro Qualifies for Both Senior and Junior Canadian Figure Skating Championships

Michael Marinaro, 15 years old, of the Point Edward Skating Club has qualified to skate at the Canadian Figure Skating Championships to be held in Vancouver, B.C in the Junior Men category.  This event includes men up to 21 years of age.

Michael won the silver medal at the Western Ontario Sectional Competition in Grimsby, Ontario.  This qualified him to skate at the Western Challenge in Mississauga where he placed 7^th overall.  Michael’s placement at Western Challenge qualified him to compete at the national championships in Vancouver.  He will be in Vancouver from January 12^th preparing for the event and then competing between January 16- 21.

Michael also skated in the Pre-Novice Pairs category with his partner, Margaret Purdy of the Watford Skating Club.  Michael and Margaret won the silver medal at Sectionals and the gold medal at Western Challenge.  They have qualified to compete at Junior Nationals in Ottawa at the end of January.

Michael trains at the Competitive Training Centre of Strathroy under Scott Rachuk and Alison Purkiss.  Michael coaches Friday nights and Saturday afternoons at the Point Edward Skating Club.  He also does ice dance partnering on Saturdays at the Point Edward club.  Michael has his Gold Free Skate, his Gold Skills, and is working on completing his Gold Dances.  Brad Loosley from Point Edward Skating Club coaches Michael for ice dance.

This month will be very busy for Michael with two national events and high school exams.  Despite his busy schedule, Michael maintains an honours average at school.

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