Love is Louder at star-studded PEC Skating Club show

Prince Edward County Skating Club member Brooke was delighted to meet Canada’s sweetheart skating legend Elizabeth Manley.

County’s favourite, Peter O’Brien.

Elizabeth Manley won the Olympic silver medal long before most of the Prince Edward County Skating Club members were born. But she easily won  everybody’s heart on Sunday, skating in support of the club’s “Love is Louder” anti-bullying message.

Manley was recovering from a flu bug, but her magical smile and powerful skating shone through, just like it did in Calgary in 1988 when she was competed at the games with a 105F fever.

“I’m so glad to be here,” she told the crowd after her skate. “I am very passionate about this cause and I’m so proud of the skaters supporting the cause and the message.”

Manley, now 47, is a mental health advocate and she shares her personal struggle with depression during her figure skating career in the 1980s. She produced a star-studded ice show in Ottawa in January to support Teen Mental Health, raising $26,000.

Applause and appreciation rang out for the club’s newest skaters right through to the veterans. Fabulous performances from the County’s favourite star Peter O’Brien and newcomer novice pairs silver medalists Trennt Michaud and Judith Murtha-Anderson also delighted fans at the Essroc arena in Wellington.

In the past four years, O’Brien has earned his place three times on the national podium winning two bronze and a silver medal in junior men’s competition. This year, he competed in the senior men’s for the first time, despite a major set-back due to injury. In January he achieved two personal best performances and was thrilled to be in the top 10 group of senior men in Canada.
Peter calls Prince Edward County home, but still lives and trains in Montreal.

Michaud, 16, and Murth-Anderson, 15, placed silver in the novice pairs event at the recent Skate Canada National Figure Skating championships. They started skating together six years ago under coach Lisa Conley at their home club in the County where they train four days a week. In addition, they practise at Trenton and in Milton with pairs coach Bryce Davidson.

“We are very grateful for this year’s team of coaches – Melissa Baldwin, Janice Beer, Lisa Conley, Leah Courneyea, Trennt Michaud and Amanda Payne,” said Saskia Koning, PECSC club president. “And to all the skaters, thank you for coming to the arena each week, for working hard and doing your best. We hope you had a great year. Thank you to the team of parents, grandparents and back-up drivers who helped get the skaters to their lessons on time.”