The Academy of Champions skaters have done it again: Gold Medals at the US National Championships! The roller figure skating team normally trains inside of Cal Skate in Grand Terrace. When California entered lockdowns, the rink was forced closed for over a year and the skaters were without a training facility. They continued their training outdoors on whatever smooth surfaces they could find, hoping that sometime soon they would get to see the inside of a rink and a medal podium once again.
While many people were out making up for lost time in California's reopening, these young athletes were making up for lost training because they had the US National Championships in Iowa to think about. Nine year olds Hailey Landingham and Marvelyn Serrano, competed at their first ever nationals, placing 4th and 8th respectively. The senior members of the skating team, Kalei Becker (23), Chance Becker (18), Maddie Davies (17) and Evie Berg (17) make up The Ravens Quartet. The Ravens won gold for their event at US Nationals and have earned the honor of representing Team USA for a 3rd consecutive World Championships. Chance Becker and Evie Berg will also compete in the pairs event for Team USA. The competition will take place in Paraguay at the end of September.
With the Covid closures came the cancellation of all fundraisers in 2020. The team was able to send its skaters to nationals with the financial support of Colton Walmart and Del Taco. Now the team looks to the community to help fund the dream of bringing home a World Championship medal from Paraguay. There will be a World Team Kick-off Party and Fundraiser at Cal Skate on Sunday, September 19th from 2:30 PM to 6:00 PM. Admission is $10. The event will include public skating, raffles, silent auction and performances by the Academy of Champions skaters. Proceeds will help the athletes with travel, accommodations, and entry fees.
If you are not able to attend in person but would like to support the team, you may contact coach Lori Becker at 909-353-8881 to inquiry about sponsoring the team or make a donation to https://gofund.me/4aa84b27.
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