16 Indonesian skaters competing in Singapore

JAKARTA (JP): Sixteen local ice skaters are taking part in the Skate Singapore '96 tournament today and tomorrow, an organizer said.

Mrs. Dolly Haryanto said yesterday 150 skaters from Indonesia, Singapore, Hong Kong and Philippines will participate in the championships.

"We have not set a target for our skaters as the tournament is only meant as training for them. They are still amateurs and we hope they will perform well. For us, to be in the second place among the participating countries will be good enough," Dolly said.

The tournament features 19 events, including pre-alpha, alpha, beta, gamma, delta, stroking, freestyle 1-10, footwork 1-10, couples 1-10, pairs 1-10, dance 1-10, spotlight solo, couples spotlight, family spotlight, speedracing, surprise events and hockey classes.

Dolly said the 16 local skaters taking part in the tournament range in the age from just 4-years to 24 years old. They have all impressed during training.

"They have undergone a series of training programs under the guidance of Randy Winship from the United States, who will also serve as competition director for the Singapore event," Dolly said.

Indonesia is planning to hold a similar competition in the new year called Skate Jakarta. Skaters from Hong Kong, Thailand, Japan, Singapore and the Philippines are expected. (lnt)