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A talented group of figure skaters have medal glory in their sights thanks to the Vision on Ice training scheme.

A group of 20 outstanding juniors will receive special  training from world-class coaches as part of the programme's new series at Festival Walk and City Plaza ice rinks.

'We will teach them new techniques,' said coach Brian Chan Yan-ho.

'This is the biggest programme we have ever organised.

'We set up phase one of Vision on Ice two years ago, now this is part two,' said Chan, one of 10 coaches working with the young skaters.

The opening phase of the scheme offered training for children of all skill levels aged three and above.

Now serious skaters with ambitions of representing Hong Kong at international events will also benefit.

'There are some young skaters who have great potential,' said Chan.

'They  pick up new ideas very quickly. What takes six months for most juniors to learn only takes one or two months for this group.

'They are already good skaters but they need to step up to another level if they want to take part in a world championships or the Winter Olympic Games.

'It is all about presentation and artistry. They must make a good impression on the judges. They have to develop their own style like a dancer,' said Chan, who competed at the World Championships in Switzerland six years ago.

Skaters who pass Hong Kong Skating Union examinations will get the chance to represent Hong Kong at international competitions.

Among those in the 20-strong group are brother and sister Lee Tze-ching, 14, and Harry Lee Hau-yin, 10. Both have already won medals at age-group competitions in Asia. Last month Tze-ching won two gold and two silver medals at the Skate Asia competition in Taiwan.

The pair train at least five times a week at Festival Walk.

'I put a lot of effort into training so that I can go to the competitions,' said Harry.

'I hope through this programme I can learn more about footwork and some new steps. I want to be the world champion.'

'I want to spend more time practising my jumps and increasing my speed,' said Tze-ching.

'They are good coaches and I think they could help us a lot.'



Figure skaters on course for glory