Page 6 - MidWeek Central - Sep 21, 2022

6 SEPTEMBER 21, 2022
Skaters Of Tropical Blades Perform On Synthetic Ice In Mililani
(Above, right and below right) Tropical Blades, Hawai‘i’s only synchronized skating team, performs at Mililani High School spring craft fair. The group has been working on synthetic ice at sites throughout O‘ahu. PHOTOS COURTESY CARY NACCARATOMARTIN
porate sponsors in order to acquire more synthetic ices, and to cover costs when they are able to once again com- pete on the mainland, ac- cording to Naccarato-Mar- tin. She shares that the group is currently facing supply
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It has been a struggle for Hawai‘i’s competitive skaters since Ice Palace closed more than two years ago. However, with the support of parents and coaches, Tropical Blades — Hawai‘i’s only synchro- nized skating team — has been working on synthetic ice at sites throughout O‘ahu.
For example, the group held shows at this year’s Mililani High School spring craft fair. In addition, it will perform at the Mililani High School Craft fair on Nov. 19 and Dec. 10, shares Tropical Blades marketing director Cary Naccarato-Martin.
chain issues in its effort to acquire the synthetic ice.
just programs to fit a much smaller patch of ice.
that have competed and won medals off-island,” states Na- ccarato-Martin. “Without the rink the team and individual skaters have not been able to remain competition ready, and have been limited in their ability to expand their skills. Meanwhile, mainland skaters have been able to move for- ward.”
with what they currently have available to them and will hopefully raise enough mon- ey to expand their patch of ice. In addition, she adds they are looking forward to the re- opening of Ice Palace.
“We are searching for plac- es where we could do demon- strations and performances,” states Naccarato-Martin.
According to Naccara- to-Martin, a much larger area of ice is needed so that the team has more space on which to work, as they currently have had to ad-
Even after Ice Palace re- opens, the synthetic ice will still provide the team with the ability to expand its practice hours, she adds. Ideally, they hope to find an affordable, permanent location to set up the synthetic ice where it will be away from the elements.
In addition, the team is fundraising and seeking cor-
For more information, call 808-264-9247, email tropicalbladessynchro@ gmail.com or check out its In- stagram and Facebook pages (@tropicalbladessyncroha- waii).
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Naccarato-Martin adds that prior to COVID lock- downs, and the continued closure of Ice Palace, the Tropical Blades were on course to compete at the Ice Sports Industry World Cham- pionships. In addition, many individual skaters qualified for U.S. Figure Skating Na- tional Showcase competition.
However, Naccarato-Mar- tin says that Hawai‘i’s skaters keep working on their skills
“Most people do not real- ize that Hawai‘i has compet- itive skaters, let alone skaters
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