Local Skating Coach Janet Dawson (centre in black) was celebrated November 4 at the Port Elgin Curling Club by past and present skaters to honour her 30 years of coaching in Saugeen Shores.

Hub Staff

A party was thrown to honour Saugeen Shores Skating Club Coach Janet Dawson for her 30 years of coaching the sport in Saugeen Shores at the Port Elgin Curling Club November 4.

“It doesn't feel like 30 years,” said Dawson at the party, which was attended by students and fellow coaches, past and present. “Time flies when you’re having fun so I must be having fun,” she added.

“I’m still going out there, still doing my thing and grateful that I can still tie my skates up,” said Dawson, who started figure skating at the age of 9 and said that she was proud that she “stuck it out” over the years and made it to this milestone.

“I’m proud to say that I’m coaching my former students’ children, I’ve kind of crossed over that way and that’s an awful lot of fun to see them back and see their kids on the ice,” said Dawson.

The revered coach said that she also loves the connection to community that her sport provides. “I really love the community involvement... when you can put on shows like Battle of the Blades... I can use my craft and the things that I’m capable of to do something really great for the community and to raise money and raise awareness,” she said.

Dawson recalled a show that the Saugeen Shores Skating Club put on that raised $30,000 for a medical centre in Saugeen Shores. The inaugural Battle of the Blades event in 2016 raised over $15,000, the proceeds being split between the Liv-A-Little Foundation and the Saugeen Shores Skating Club.