Alberta Figure Skating Foundation

<h2 class="Heading1 typeface-js" style="font-family:Myriad Pro; font-style:italic;">About Us</h2> <div class="contentdiv"> <h2 class="Heading2 typeface-js" style="font-family:Myriad Pro;">Our Mandate</h2>  <p class="content">The Alberta Figure Skating Foundation (AFSF) is a not-for-profit organization committed to recognizing the achievements of dedicated skaters in our province, and to promoting their development at all levels in the sport. Our initiatives assist skaters in both the competitive and recreational figure skating programs.</p> <p class="content">The AFSF was originally founded in 1975, under the name “Alberta Figure Skating Bursary Fund”. The name was later changed to better reflect our mandate. As part of our 35 year celebration, we launched our “we’re making changes” campaign to showcase a fresh new look and to encourage a greater awareness for what the AFSF offers the figure skating community in our province.</p> <p class="content">We are an organization run solely by a small group of volunteers, who are elected to the Board of Directors by the general membership on an annual basis. We operate <strong>independently</strong> of Skate Canada and the Alberta/NWT-Nunavut Section. Memberships, donations, and <a href="volunteerframes.html" target="_blank">volunteer fundraising activities</a> are our only sources of funding.</p> <p class="content">To succeed in our goals, and to enable us to continue our mandate of assisting figure skaters in this province, we need your support. We welcome the involvement of all Albertans.<br> </p> </div> <h2 class="Heading1 typeface-js" style="font-family:Myriad Pro; font-style:italic;">Membership</h2> <div class="contentdiv"> <p class="content" style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Membership with AFSF says: <em>“I support the development of figure skaters in Alberta”</em>.</strong></p> <p class="content" style="font-size:11pt;"><em>That smile on the face of award recipients, the buzz amongst skaters attending development camps, and the extra lift generated by those pre-competition butterflies at the annual WildRose event… these moments are what your membership can help create.</em></p> <p class="content" style="margin-bottom:10px;">For skaters, AFSF membership includes the following benefits:</p> <ul class="content"> <li>Summer Skating Assistance opportunity</li> <li>Triple/Quadruple Achievement awards</li> <li>Discounted rates at AFSF sponsored clinics or seminars.</li> </ul> <p class="content" style="margin-top:0px;">Our membership year currently runs from May 1st to April 30th of the following year. Our fee structure is as follows:</p> <blockquote> <p class="content"><strong>Family Membership is $25/yr<br> Club Membership is $50/yr</strong></p> </blockquote> <p class="content">Thanks to the many volunteers who assist with fundraising, the Alberta Figure Skating Foundation has been able to keep annual fees affordable. Our mandate is to assist all figure skaters in Alberta and we believe that keeping our fees low helps us to better achieve our goals.</p> <p class="content" style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Ready to Join?</strong></p> <p class="content"><a href="http://www.karelo.com/register.php?BID=443&BT=10&PrivEv=9327" target="_blank">Click here to register online.</a></p> </div> <h1 class="Heading1 typeface-js" style="font-family:Myriad Pro; font-style:italic;">Sponsorships and Awards</h1> <div class="contentdiv"> <h2 class="Heading2 typeface-js" style="font-family:Myriad Pro;">Sponsorships</h2> <blockquote> <a name="dev"></a> <h3 class="Heading3 typeface-js" style="font-family:Myriad Pro;">Alberta Junior Development Team </h3>  <p class="content" style="margin-bottom:15px;"> The AFSF provides financial support to the Alberta Junior Development team on an annual basis. Funding from our organization is specifically directed to the Junior Development Team Spring Clinic. The Junior Team is selected each year based on the results from the BMO Skate Canada: Alberta-NWT/Nunavut Sectionals in the Pre-Juvenile to Pre-Novice events in ladies, mens, dance and pairs. To learn more about Skate Canada teams, please <a href="http://www.skateabnwtnun.com/ath/resource/guidelines.pdf" target="_blank">click here.</a></p> <a name="clin"></a> <h3 class="Heading3 typeface-js" style="font-family:Myriad Pro;">Clinics / Seminars</h3> <p class="content">Alberta skating clubs with active AFSF memberships are welcome to apply for funding to assist with the cost of hosting clinics and seminars. Eligible clinics include those for skaters, coaches, and/or evaluators and judges.</p> <p class="content" style="margin-bottom:30px;">AFSF supports the efforts of individual clubs seeking to enrich the development of figure skating within Alberta. Educational initiatives are strongly encouraged. Clinic proposals are reviewed and approved by the AFSF Board. </p> </blockquote> <h2 class="Heading2 typeface-js" style="font-family:Myriad Pro;">Awards</h2> <blockquote> <a name="mcfar"></a><h3 class="Heading3 typeface-js" style="font-family:Myriad Pro;">Dennis McFarlane Award</h3> <img src="images/dennis.gif" width="200" height="198" class="dennis"> <p class="content">Dennis is a former national competitor in singles, pairs and dance. He reached the highest level by the International Skating Union (ISU) when he achieved World and Olympic judge and referee status in all three disciplines. Still active today, judging and monitoring skaters are Dennis' major skating interests. Although retired from international judging, he retains his Skate Canada referee qualifications in all categories.</p> <p class="content" style="font-weight:bold; font-style:italic">This award is presented to the highest placing Pre-Novice Woman representing Alberta at a National Event.</p> <p class="content" style="margin-bottom:15px;">The recipient of the 2009-2010 Dennis McFarlane Award is Cedunna Magee. This skater competed at the 2010 BMO Skate Canada Western Challenge in Mississauga, Ontario.</p> <br> <br> <hr align="center" width="50%" size="2" noshade color="000000" class="awardsbar"> <p><a name="pat" class="selector"></a></p> <h3 class="Heading3 typeface-js" style="font-family:Myriad Pro;">Pat Sprague Award</h3> <img src="images/pat.gif" width="200" height="249" class="dennis"> <p class="content">Pat was a long-time figure skating organizer, volunteer, and a dedicated mother of two skaters. For 20 years, she acted as chairwoman of the Wild Rose Figure Skating Competition. Pat was also a board member and chairwoman of the Alberta Figure Skating Foundation, and she was widely known for her genuine and well-rounded respect of the sport.</p> <p class="content"><em><strong>This award is presented to the highest placed Alberta Synchronized Skating team at the Canadian Synchronized Skating Championships (Festival/Competitive).</strong></em></p> <p class="content" style="margin-bottom:15px;">The recipient of the 2009-2010 Pat Sprague Award is Calgary's Black Gold Open Team. They were the highest placing Alberta synchronized skating team at the 2010 BMO Skate Canada Synchronized Skating Championships.</p> <br> <hr align="center" width="50%" size="2" noshade color="000000" class="awardsbar"> <br> <a name="star"></a><h3 class="Heading3 typeface-js" style="font-family:Myriad Pro;">Alberta Figure Skating STARSkate Award</h3> <p class="content"> This award was created to recognize the previous years’ Alberta-NWT/Nunavut section award recipient of the Wayne Feil Memorial Evaluator/Judges Award. These volunteer evaluators and judges contribute countless hours each season, providing valuable feedback to skaters in all disciplines. Their devotion helps all skaters in this province, as they work towards reaching their goals and achieving their potential in the sport of figure skating.</p> <p class="content">The 2008-2009 recipient of the Wayne Feil Memorial Evaluator/Judges Award was Elaine Urton.</p> <p class="content"><em><strong>This award is presented to the highest placing Triathlon Women from Alberta at the Skate Canada: Alberta-NWT/Nunavut STARSkate Championships in the Bronze, Silver and Gold Categories.</strong></em></p> <p>The 2009-2010 Alberta Figure Skating STARSkate Award Triathlon recipients are:</p> <blockquote> <p class="content">Gold Triathlon Champion: Kate McCall</p> <p class="content">Silver Triathlon Champion: Kristen Lazoruk</p> <p class="content" style="margin-bottom:15px;">Bronze Triathlon Champion: Hailey McLean</p> </blockquote> <br> <hr align="center" width="50%" size="2" noshade color="000000" class="awardsbar"> <br> <a name="gold"></a><h3 class="Heading3 typeface-js" style="font-family:Myriad Pro;">Triple / Quadruple Gold Award</h3> <p class="content">These awards recognize skaters who have achieved their gold test level in any three or four of the Skate Canada figure skating disciplines (Freeskate, Skills, Dance, and Interpretive). AFSF has long supported skaters who demonstrate a commitment to completing their figure skating test levels, and we recognize them for their efforts and dedication.</p> <p class="content" style="margin-bottom:15px;">A skater can apply for either the Triple or Quadruple Gold Award (not both) through our Foundation. In order to qualify, a skater must be a member in good standing for one full year. We accept applications from skaters who have passed their most recent gold test within the last two years.</p> <p align="left" class="content">Recipient plaques are presented at the Skate Canada: Alberta-NWT/ Nunavut Section AGM/Awards banquet, which is held annually in the spring. Dates will be posted on our website. <a href="pdfs/afsf_award_application.pdf" target="_blank">Click here to apply.</a></p> <div align="left"><br> </div> <hr align="center" width="50%" size="2" noshade color="000000" class="awardsbar"> <br> <a name="warm" class="selector"></a><h3 class="Heading3 typeface-js" style="font-family:Myriad Pro;">AFSF Summer Assistance</h3> <p class="content">The Alberta Figure Skating Foundation provides funding to qualified skaters who participate in a Summer School skating program within our province, and plan on representing Alberta in the upcoming skating season.</p> <p class="content">To be considered for summer assistance, skaters must be AFSF members in good standing by January 1st of the application year. Successful applicants must also be active members during the summer school session they plan to attend (AFSF membership year is May to April; skaters must therefore be members for 2 years in order to receive their approved funding).</p> <p class="content">All eligible skaters will receive an application form by regular mail. Completed applications must be postmarked by the stated deadline. No faxed or emailed applications will be accepted.</p> <p class="content">The number of skaters approved for funding, and the dollar value of each scholarship, is determined on an annual basis. Eligible expenses include ice fees, on-ice group training sessions, and off-ice activities that enhance a skater’s on-ice performance (ie. Fitness, jump class, ballet, etc.).<br> </p> </blockquote> </div> <h2 class="Heading1 typeface-js" style="font-family:Myriad Pro; font-style:italic;">Events</h2> <div class="contentdiv"> <a name="wild"></a><h2 class="Heading2 typeface-js" style="font-family:Myriad Pro;">Wild Rose Competition:</h2> <p class="content">The Wild Rose Competition is the only Alberta figure skating competition held annually during the summer months; it takes place in early August. This competition is a sanctioned Skate Canada event, recognized for its monitoring of competitive skaters. It has also been the trialing event for many of Canada's skating firsts, such as the CPC judging and video replay systems.</p> <p class="content">Our Wild Rose competition marks the beginning of the season for competitive skaters. Many are testing out new programs and evaluating the feedback they receive from a panel of judges. Important decisions will be made in the weeks that follow, and programs will be tweaked in anticipation of the upcoming qualifying events.</p> <p class="content">For STARSkate participants, this competition marks the end of their skating season. They compete to showcase their talent and bring home fresh ideas for the season ahead. New programs will be on their horizon, after a well earned period of rest.</p> <p class="content">Please consider <a href="volunteerframes.html" target="_blank">volunteering your time</a>, and help us to proudly uphold the tradition of hosting this prestigious event in Alberta. Skating competitions require a substantial number of volunteers to run successfully, and we rely on our general membership and the public to step forward with their time and energy.</p> <p class="content" style="margin-bottom:30px;">Become part of the tradition, and join us for the excitement on competition day! </p> <a name="agm"></a><h2 class="Heading2 typeface-js" style="font-family:Myriad Pro">AGM</h2> <p class="content">The Annual General Meeting is an important event for the general membership of the Alberta Figure Skating Foundation. At this meeting, board members present a summary of the Foundation's activities over the previous fiscal year, and present the audited financial statement. It is also election time, and we are always looking for enthusiastic volunteers to join our Board of Directors.</p> <p class="content">This is truly an exciting time for the Foundation. We are a proactive organization; always growing and responding to the needs of Alberta's figure skating community. This goal cannot be achieved without a committed group of volunteers. We encourage all current and prospective members to come out and join us at this important annual event.</p> <p class="content"> Your skaters, Alberta's future champions, are counting on all of us to support them in achieving their goals.</p> <p class="content" style="margin-bottom:30px;"><strong>This year's AGM will be held in September. You still have an opportunity to get involved!</strong></p> </a> <a name="cash" id="cash"></a> <h2 class="Heading2 typeface-js" style="font-family:Myriad Pro">Bingos / Casinos</h2> <p class="content">The Alberta Figure Skating Foundation relies on Bingo / Casino revenues to finance our scholarships and awards program. This funding is generated by volunteers who contribute their time and work at our assigned events.</p> <p class="content">Bingos are scheduled throughout the year. We are assigned one casino event every 18 months. Volunteers do receive some benefit for their commitment. To view our schedule and to learn more about this volunteer opportunity, please <a href="volunteerframes.html" target="_blank">click here</a>.</p> <p class="content"><strong>Note:</strong> Currently, there is only a very small number of dedicated volunteers shouldering this enormous responsibility. Without additional support, the Foundation is at risk of losing its major source of income. Please consider getting involved, and volunteer your time to support our skater development and recognition initiatives. </a></p> </div>