It’s a moment they won’t soon forget. Philippine, Célestine and their friends have put on their skates and they are shaking with excitement at the idea of getting on the ice with Guillaume Cizeron, Gabriella Papadakis and many skaters from the French team, passing through Tours for a gala this Thursday, April 7. “We’re a little stressed, but too excited“, begins one.”I will tell them that they are too pretty!“, adds the other.
I will tell them that they skate too well and that I want to be like them when I grow up!
Valuable advice
Once in front of them, shyness takes over, but Célestine starts, she asks a question about pirouettes: “How not to get dizzy when turning?“Kevin Aymoz, French figure skating champion, replies:”You have to keep a fixed point!“
Dance with the pros
Marie-Ly and Sarah, who play in National 2 at the Tours club, have the chance to skate tonight at the opening of the pro gala. They are also delighted with the exchange. “We have the chance to see them, usually it’s often on TV, or we only hear about them. There, it’s quite practical because we can have technical advice to improve ourselves afterwards”, explains Marie-Ly, 17 years old. Sarah adds:
It’s above all a new point of view, which we don’t necessarily have with our coaches. They are still in the middle so that can help us progress.
Guillaume Cizeron and Gabriella Papadakis at the rendezvous
Pleasure shared for Guillaume Cizeron and Gabriella Papadakis. If they do not participate in the questions, two young skaters offer them a gift. “It’s been a long time since we’ve been surrounded by young kids like that. It’s good to see the next generation, to see people who are really at the start of their passion, perhaps for some at the start of their career.” explains Guillaume Cizeron.
We hope to inspire them and pass on some of our passion and love for the sport.
– Juliette Geay
More than 2,000 spectators at the gala
Both, like all the artists present, including Brian Joubert and Philippe Candeloro, are delighted to find the public during this tour, after several years of cancellation due to the Covid.
In all, about thirty members of the multi-skating club of Tours (CMPT) were able to share this special moment with the stars… Then the public entered at 8 p.m. to enjoy the gala. The hall was full, more than 2,000 tickets were sold. The tour continues until April 10, and will still pass through Boulogne-Billancourt, Epinal and Besançon.