The Glens Falls Figure Skating Club is a non-profit organization based at the Glens Falls Civic Center, sanctioned by the United States Figure Skating Association, whose purpose is to promote the sport of skating to children and adults of all skill levels and ages.
The skating season generally runs from September to April each year for
approximately 20 weeks. Session fees are set at the beginning of each
season and are based solely on the cost of providing the service. These
costs include ice rental, professional fees, insurance, etc. Refunds
are given for medical reasons only. Fund raising or assessment fees may
be instituted as needed during the season.
New members are always welcome. Fees will be pro-rated for members joining after the start of the season.
Tracing
our history, we note the following dates in our progress: On March 16,
1979, a group of fifty Glens Falls area residents interested in forming
a figure skating club at the Glens Falls Civic Center met with center
director Ned Harkness. From this group an interim board began work to
set up the organization.
On
July 6,1979, the first Open House was held. Sixteen New York State
amateur and professional skaters performed for an enthusiastic audience
of 1500 people. On July 26, 1979, the GFFSC was incorporated under New
York State Law.
On
October 17, 1979, the first season of figure skating began at the Civic
Center. The membership totaled over 300 skaters from ages five to
seventy-five, skating in beginning, intermediate, advanced and adult
programs. Freestyle skating, ice dancing and school figure sessions
were important parts of the program. Group and private lessons were
provided by a qualified professional staff.
In
April, 1980, the Glens Falls Foundation awarded us a grant of $1500. In
May, 1980, the GFFSC accepted probationary status in its affiliation
with the USFSA. The affiliation offers nationally recognized guidelines
for the development of figure skating at all levels. Permanent
membership was achieved in the spring of 1981.
On
April 4. 1982 we held our first ice show, "A Salute to Glens Falls,"
which was a great success. We have subsequently held other ice shows
and exhibitions, including "Fantasy On Ice," "Season's Greetings On Ice," and
"Skate Into Spring." We have also held several
US Figure Skating Testing Sessions. These are an integral part of a
skater's advancement through the ranks of figure skating.
In
October, 1995, we sponsored the 1996 North Atlantic Figure Skating
Championships, held at the Glens Falls Civic Center. This was our
biggest event to date, but we anticipate sponsoring events such as this
in the future.
Plans for the 2007-2008 season
include a Basic Skills & Synchronized Skating Competition Weekend, a Test
Session, a holiday exhibition and family skating party, two "Intro to Skating"
Clinics (one at the beginning of the season and one during January for National
Skating Month), and a spring ice show in conjunction with the Glens Falls
Centennial Celebration.
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