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48 / JULY.AUGUST.2019 USICERINKS.COM REAL PROGRAMS Excel National Festival Juvenile levels and was judged using the 6.0 judging system. Skaters at these levels earned an invitation to the Excel National Festival after registering for the Excel Competition Series and competing in one of 33 Excel Series competitions. Skaters that earned a gold medal at any Excel Series competition heading into the Excel Festival were awarded special recognition certificates and had their names featured on a banner commemorating their success. Compete USA events took place on Sunday and gave 50-plus new skaters from across the country the opportunity to make new friends and earn competitive recognition in a fun and motivating environment. These skaters enjoyed an ice cream social on Saturday morning after attending their half-day camp and cheering on the Excel National Final competitors. International Committee Chair and U.S. Figure Skating past president Sam Auxier was impressed with the cheering abilities of the Compete USA skaters and joined a selection of them in the stands for a group cheer. A New Camp Experience For many participants, the camp experience was the highlight of their time at the National Excel Festival. Divided into groups based on age and competition level, each skater enjoyed a movement and dance seminar with Paula Wagener- Blonder and Adam Blake, a team spirit session that facilitated bonding with their fellow competitors, a competitors' party with their peers and an interactive meet and greet with Team USA skaters. "This is the first competition I haven't been nervous at," said Skye Espinal, a representative of the Pines Figure Skating Club at the Excel Beginner level. "For some reason I feel way more relaxed and am having a lot of fun." Resources for Parents and Coaches In addition to competition and the camp experience, the Excel National Festival included educational sessions and networking opportunities for parents that included a coffee social, off-ice jumps class and an introduction to the international judging system. Coaches had several networking and educational opportunities throughout the weekend as well, including open forum discussions and observation privileges during each phase of the camp experience. For skaters, parents and coaches alike, the 2019 Excel National Festival was more than just competition, but rather the beginning of a new source of motivation and recognition for skaters at all levels. J , Sadie Langsdorf of the St. Paul Figure Skating Club earned a spot in the National Excel Final. ORDER NOW FOR WINTER 2019-2020 New operating system and storage options now available Check us out: www.icebumpercars.com ICE BUMPER CARS! ICE BUMPER CARS!