Junior Championships Backstage
Volunteers Worked Behind the Scenes at 2008 Junior Nationals
At the 2008 Junior Championships in Salt Lake City, many volunteers worked quietly behind the scenes.
No major figure skating event can run without dedicated and committed volunteers. Those who volunteered their time in Salt Lake City at the 2008 U.S. National Junior Figure Skating Championships certainly did make the competition run smoothly. Sometimes volunteering at an event like Junior Nationals can be weary and tiring, but the volunteers in Salt Lake City always seemed to have smiles on their faces. Volunteers helped with security, practice ice, hospitality, and registration.
Children under the age of thirteen could also volunteer in a very special capacity. Designated "Flower Sweepers" picked up the stuffed animals or other stuffed toys that were thrown on the ice after most competitors' performances. It is an honor to be chosen to be a "Flower Sweeper" at any major competition, and in Salt Lake City, for the 2008 Junior National Figure Skating Championships, over sixty children auditioned for the honor. About forty children were selected and worked quietly behind the scenes.
These children wore identical blue skating dresses on the ice and wore special vests off the ice. Hair and makeup guidelines were set. Each sweeper’s hair was neatly put in a bun and a hair decoration that matched the skating dresses surrounded the bun. There were required practices where the children were taught how to behave on and off the ice. Each child was assigned certain shifts. The children chosen learned that being a flower sweeper is an honor, but also is hard work.
A "Grandma Flower Sweeper" also picked up stuffed toys! Dr. Marci Richards, is a sixty-two year old grandmother and adult figure skater who lives in Wisconsin, but vacations and skates and skis in Utah. Her Salt Lake City figure skating coach, Christi Sturgeon, was in charge of selecting and training the young "Flower Sweepers" and Dr. Richards suggested that an adult ice skater help out. It turned out that Marci Richards didn't just help out; she became an official sweeper! A larger skating dress that matched the young little girls’ dresses was made especially for Marci. She attended the required practices. In addition to flower sweeping Dr. Richards donated her time and talents by volunteering with the onsite volunteer medical team.
Each of the volunteers did receive a small gift for their efforts. Also, they were able to meet the competitors, coaches, and their families. Each volunteer was required to submit a written application and once accepted were assigned hours and certain shifts. Salt Lake City hosted the 2002 Winter Olympics, so some who volunteered at the 2008 U.S. Junior Figure Skating Championships did have some prior volunteer experience.
Happy Skating!
