The head coach of the Riverview Skating Club has been teaching at the rink in Brooklyn for close to 19 years.
But this year is different.
In September, Lee-Anne Cross, 36, is returning for a new season as a nationally-acclaimed coach.
In May, Cross accepted Skate Canada’s Club and Recreation Coach Award of Excellence for her continued dedication to the club she has been involved with since she was five years old.
“Her Learn to Skate program is so successful that, with her as head coach, Riverview has twice won… Skate Canada’s Presidents Challenge for greatest increase in CanSkate enrolment,” wrote club president Joan Dawson, when nominating Cross for the award.
“Lee-Anne demonstrates the passion, spirit and triumph of figure skating (through) her unwavering commitment to her profession, her clubs and her students.”
Cross says gaining national acclamation for doing something she loves, and receiving praise from her colleagues at the Riverview Skating Club, was a humbling experience.
“It’s quite an honour, really,” Cross said.
“I’m the first coach in Nova Scotia that’s ever won it nationally.”
She’s looking forward to seeing some new faces on the ice in Brooklyn this fall. The Riverview Skating Club offers novice and advanced programs for preschoolers through to adults.
“A pair of skates and a helmet and you’re on your way,” Cross said.
Registration is Sept. 1 and Sept. 8 from 6:30-8 p.m. at the Newport District Rink in Brooklyn. For more information on the programs available, call 798-1082 or 866-0245.
