KITCHENER WATERLOO, [September 1, 2023] – The Kitchener Waterloo Skating Club (KWSC) is proud to announce that two of its outstanding Junior Ice Dance Teams have been selected to represent Canada at the International Skating Union (ISU) Junior Grand Prix Series. In addition to this remarkable achievement, both teams have also earned coveted spots in the Skate Canada NextGen Program, reaffirming their talent and dedication to the sport.
Caroline Kravets and Jacob Stark, coached by the seasoned duo of Paul MacIntosh and Tyler Morris, will be taking the ice in Budapest, Hungary from September 20-23, 2023. Alisa Korneva and Kieran MacDonald, under the guidance of coaches Carleigh MacDonald and Paul MacIntosh, will showcase their talents in Yerevan, Armenia from October 4-7, 2023.
Each year, the ISU Junior Grand Prix Series features approximately 300 talented young Figure Skaters aged 13 to 19 from Europe, North and South America, Asia, Oceania as well as Africa and provides them with the possibility to compete at the international level.
“We are excited to be going on our first Junior Grand Prix together”, said Kieran MacDonald. “We have been working very hard towards this goal, and we are looking forward to competing together internationally for Canada.”
“Over the next few weeks, we are going to keep training hard in preparation for this competition”, shared Alisa Korneva. “Our goal is to put out two strong skates just like we did at the August competition in Waterloo. We are grateful to Skate Canada for this opportunity.”
Joining them in Armenia and with equal excitement is Coach Carliegh MacDonald. “Alisa and Kieran are very hard working, dedicated athletes […] I am continuously impressed with their passion and dedication to the sport. They always approach their training with their goals at the forefront of their minds.”
I'm incredibly proud to be representing Canada, Kitchener Waterloo and KWSC, at the ISU Junior Grand Prix in Budapest. This marks Caroline's and my first time showcasing our talents on the international stage representing Canada”, said Jacob Stark. “I want to extend my gratitude to our coaches, choreographers, teammates, and club staff for their unwavering support and help in preparation.”
“It is an incredible feeling to see students that you’ve worked with since they were very young, entering into the International field of Competitive Figure Skating”, said Coach Tyler Morris. “I know personally how enjoyable the experience of a JGP can be. I hope they are able to take in every moment and enjoy the experience”.
KWSC Technical Director, Anabelle Langlois-Hay also conveyed her enthusiasm, stating, "The selection of both Ice Dance Teams for the Skate Canada NextGen Program demonstrates their consistent excellence and potential. Our club has a legacy of nurturing talent, and we are thrilled to see these athletes progressing to the next level”.
Skate Canada's NextGen Program supports athletes and coaches through development and training opportunities, aiming for success in World and Olympic Games. This program is delivered in partnerships with Skate Ontario, Own The Podium, and Canadian Sport Institutes.
KWSC strives to support all athletes in their personal development, offering opportunities for coaching, assisting with programs, and administration. Kieran, Caroline and Jacob are qualified CanSkate Coaches and a true example of the Club’s mission to inspire a lifelong passion for excellence through skating.
The Kitchener Waterloo Skating Club extends its heartfelt support and best wishes to Caroline Kravets and Jacob Stark, as well as Alisa Korneva and Kieran MacDonald, as they embark on this exciting international adventure. The club is eager to witness their stunning performances on the world stage as they make their community and nation proud.
