I started skating at the age of five or six during the Depression. No skates for sale as no one had money.

My dad decided to make a pair for me, as it must have been the thing to do at that time. He glued a butcher knife between two pieces of wood, and with a good sharpener made it to fit my rubber shoes, and with some strong twine attached it to my feet. I was ready to try my luck on the ice; after several falls, some painful, I finely could skate with all the other kids in town, and enjoyed it for over 65 years.

Michelle Kwan, a figure skating legend, skated all over the world. I remember when she was asked on Good Morning America, if she had a favourite audience. She said that she enjoyed all of them, but added that she was more energized when she skated for a Canadian audience. She thought that skating is in our blood and culture.

Last week, a young figure skater from Spain, said he moved to Canada for the same reason. He added Canadians do not only clap with their hands, but with their heart.

Al Goguen

Victoria

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