Imagine gaining national recognition as an athlete...before your 10th birthday...that's the reality for two young figure skaters from our area...

Dalyce Leslie of Deering and Raquell Lemere (LAMEER) of Surrey are gearing up for their first national competition at the end of this month.

The girls will soon head off to the 2009 State Games of America in Colorado Springs to skate against other competitors from around the country in a variety of events. Dalyce's mother says both girls have put in a lot of time on the ice to reach this level...

(Darla Leslie) "I think it's going to be a really great opportunity for Dalyce and for Raquell. I think it's going to be something for them...a big event for them to see and participate in and just get some experience."

But the Dalyce and Raquell say it's the fun that they have on the ice that makes the early morning practices and all the hard work well worth it...

(Raquell Lemere) "It's just fun...you get to do what you like...you get to jump a lot." (Dalyce Leslie) "It's fun because you can do a bunch of jumps and spins and all that stuff."


The State Games in Colorado Springs are held every other year...to qualify, competitors must first place as one of the top three skaters in an individual event in their state. watch the video | save this article / add to your favorites list