While it might not be the most popular sport in the city, taking to the ice for a skate at one of Hong Kong’s major shopping malls is a quintessential childhood memory for many who grew up in the city.
The oldest rink still in operation in Hong Kong, the Cityplaza Ice Palace in Taikoo, is set to continue its tradition as a hub for training with the arrival of three guest coaches this fall. This and a series of curling classes for children and adults are just some of the experiences the rink brings to the city as part of its 40th-anniversary celebration this year.
From the end of October until December, beginners will have a chance to try their hand at curling. The rink is hosting five classes for children and adults at its skate school. Participants will get an opportunity to pick up a broom and slide a curling stone and learn about the game's tactical aspects. The experience is a challenge for both the mind and the body.
The three guest coaches are Craig Thomas Heath, five-time gold medalist and American skate choreographer, David Liu, three-time Olympian, and Hong Kong-born figure skater Maisy Ma.
Heath has been sharing his experience and expertise with aspiring skaters in Hong Kong since 2005. Along with his success at various figure skating competitions on the world stage, he’s choreographed Disney on Ice shows and created routines for Olympic skaters.
Taiwanese Olympian Li not only had a successful career coaching figure skating but has taken his graceful interpretation of dance off the ice and onto the stages of the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts and the Hong Kong Ballet.
At the age of 22, Ma is one of the most recognisable faces in Hong Kong’s figure skating scene. Twirling and jumping on ice since age three, she took home her first international medal in 2016 at the Reykjavik International games and continues to compete internationally.
The three guest coaches are set to be teaching throughout the winter season. Along with a chance to skate with world-class performers and professionals, the rink offers visitors a chance to experience a winter sport less familiar to the local community.
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