Wanganui skaters get on a roll early

FANCY DRESS: Hannah Smith accepts the trophy for the Best Dressed team for the Wanganui host club at the opening ceremony on Tuesday. PHOTOS/AUCKLAND SPORTS PHOTOGRAPHY

Wanganui skaters have visited the top of the podium twice and the lectern once as the New Zealand National Rollerskating Championships officially hit the hardwood at Jubilee Stadium on Tuesday evening.

Fourteen-year-old Wanganui Amateur Roller Skating Club member Rachael Stratford claimed the first national title even before the official opening ceremony on Tuesday winning the Novice Ladies Figure Skating class, then the team from the River City were judged Best Dressed during the opening ceremony later that day by deputy Mayor Rangi Wills and his wife Shirley.

Mary-Ann Thomson, of Skate New Zealand, said while the deputy Mayor and his wife's decision appeared a tad partisan, the majority of connections of the 18 clubs competing from around the country conceded the Wanganui team did look stunning in matching leotards.

"Most agreed that deputy Mayor Rangi Wills and his wife Shirley's decision was truly unbiased. The Best Dressed competition happens at every national competition and went to the smallest of the 18 teams competing with just five skaters,' Thomson said yesterday.

Accepting the Best Dress trophy for Wanganui was 16-year-old Hannah Smith, who will be competing in the Junior International Solo Dance and Junior International Figures later in the week.

The visit to the lectern at the opening ceremony was an honour also awarded to the host club and being the youngest member, 10-year-old Sharon-Rose Riddell was given the task of reading the "Skater's Oath", yet another tradition at national championships.

"To read the oath is considered an honour and Sharon-Rose was chosen as the youngest skater from the host club," Thomson said.

"She did a marvellous job having learned it by heart, never faltering and sounding genuine and confident. She skated in the Juvenile Solo Dance event [Tuesday] placing fifth." S

After placing second in the Figures events at the Area (Lower North Island Champs) in July, Riddell is hoping to gain a spot on the podium at the nationals.

Mr Wills was also a guest judge, along with two international class judges, who declared Pirates and Party Frocks from the Hastings Amateur Roller Skating Club winners of the Show Skate section at the opening ceremony.

Thomson said the Show Skate section is an entertainment event where clubs work together to choreograph a performance to entertaining music featuring large groups.

Competition continues through to late Saturday afternoon. Entry is free and spectators are welcome.