Barrie Teens Skaters to Compete in Poland, 2019
Two Innisdale students, Olivia Oliver and Joshua Andari, are headed to Europe to compete in two ISU Junior Grand Prix figure skating events and to launch “Skating for Young Heroes”, a charity that grants wishes to special children. They will compete for Poland in Courchevel, France, from August 21st to 24th, and then in Gdansk, Poland, from September 18th to 21st.
Last season, at her first attempt, Olivia qualified for the Junior World Championships in Zagreb, Croatia, with her previous partner. As a result of her success, Olivia and Josh have been chosen to represent Poland at these two Grand Prix events.
Olivia was born in Poland but lives with her family in Barrie. Josh is from Chatham, Ontario. Six months ago, Josh moved to Barrie and with Olivia they train full time at the Mariposa International School of Skating.
Olivia has always worked to help children in need. Five years ago, at age 11, she broke the Guinness World Record for the fastest spinner on ice, clocking an incredible 342 RPM at the National Stadium in Warsaw, Poland. In doing so, Olivia raised over $20,000 to make wishes come true for sick kids in Poland.
As part of their “Skating for Young Heroes” campaign, the skaters will meet with children who have a terminal illness or life-limiting condition. When they compete in Gdansk, Poland, 10 sick kids and their families will be invited to watch them perform and to have a professional photo session with the young Polish team. Afterwards, Olivia and Josh will present the children with their “wish gifts”; laptops, smartphones, gaming devices, rehabilitation equipment, toys, etc. Then the children and their families will be treated to dinner and a night in hotel.
“Skating for Young Heroes will combine our passion for skating with our passion for helping children less fortunate”, said Olivia and Josh. “And we can’t wait to begin our new journey together – and make great things happen”.
We would like to thank the following sponsors of the Ontario Community Awareness Network www.cityofbarrie.net.
Body Language - Pole Fitness - Aerial Arts
Latchman Insurance Brokers Limited
Michael Enterprise Audio & Visual
Theatre By The Bay - Live Performances
3B Solutions - Video and Media
For more information about how your business can benefit from membership in the Ontario Community Awareness Network, please visit www.cityofbarrie.net
Videography and Production by Tiffany Scott and John Ironside
