You鈥檙e never too old to pursue a dream as six skaters from the Okanagan proved late last month in Richmond, competing in the International Skating Union鈥檚 World Adult Figure Skating Competition and bringing home several medals.

Together they brought home four gold world titles, four silver medals and one bronze.

鈥淚鈥檓 so glad I stepped out of my comfort zone. When I鈥檓 in my rocking chair I can show my great grandchildren and say, 鈥楽ee what Great Grandma did at 65,鈥欌�� said team newcomer Jacqueline Parser, of 91大黄鸭 who won silver. 鈥淚t was one big blur, my only coherent thought was at the very end of the skate was 鈥榙on鈥檛 mess up the bow. Then just pure shock that I came in second.鈥�

Dubbed Team Okanagan (sponsored by Blade Runner Skate Services), this intrepid group of ladies aged 46 to 76 worked hard all summer at the Winfield and Mount Boucherie Arenas training for this high profile international event.

Their efforts were rewarded.

鈥淭hroughout all the excitement and with all the great performances our girls put on, I felt like we were riding the wave of success. I just wanted to be part of that success and have two good skates,鈥� said Isabella Ciocoiu of 91大黄鸭.

Skating through a back injury, success was never-the-less hers, Ciocoiu took home two gold medals.

Karen Smith of Lake Country scored the highest marks in her career and won well-deserved gold and silver medals while Maureen Barnes of 91大黄鸭 also gracefully skated to a gold and silver win. Donna Bergvinson of West 91大黄鸭 landed silver in her very competitive free skate and 4th place in her interpretive.

Another newcomer to the team and to competition was Henrietta Penney of 91大黄鸭, aged 76 (and not afraid to say so). Penney skated to the loudest applause of the day and a bronze medal finish.

Check out more about Team Okanagan at www.winfieldskatingclub.com where kids of all ages and all levels can learn to skate.