Figure skating club doubles enrolment thanks to Chinese newcomers

Figure skating in Charlottetown is experiencing a boom in enrolment thanks to P.E.I.'s Chinese community.

Numbers at the Charlottetown Skating Club almost doubled over last year and about 65 percent of members are new immigrants from China, say organizers.

They were worried last season when the number of participants was dwindling, said spokeswoman Anne Marie Hennessey.

Then they held a special information session at an Asianstore.

"After that registration we were all very excited. Like wow, we've missed this whole market here," she said.

"And they were excited to come to us too, so it was both ways. Without them, I'm not sure where we would be, honestly. They've helped our program stay alive."

The club has gone from not having enough skaters to having to turn some people away.

And there's now a greater range in ages, so competitions will be more exciting, said Hennessey.