The following is being distributed at the request of Sport Newfoundland and Labrador:

The Silver Jets Figure Skating Club will play host to more than 500 skaters, coaches, and parents who will be attending the Central Dairies/Tropicanna 1997 Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Figure Skating Championships, February 27 to March 1 in Gander.

Seventy Avalon skaters, 40 Eastern, 40 Central, 40 Western and 30 Labrador skaters were in Gander for registration which started at noon Thursday at Hotel Gander.

Two-hundred thirty-eight entries were received in 34 categories of ladies and mens singles and dance. Official practices started noon Thursday at Gander Gardens. Opening Ceremonies got under way at 7 p.m. on Thursday.

Competition started Friday 8 a.m. with medal presentations at 8 p.m. Friday.

Competition picks up Saturday at 3 p.m. with medals being presented at 9:30 p.m.

Chief referee, Angus Thistle, joined by six Newfoundland judges, one from Kingston, Ontario and two from Nova Scotia will be charged with the responsibility of determining the placing of the skaters.

Chief accountant Rosalind Pound, computer accountant Ross Ashbourne, John Dollimount (chairperson to the Accountants Committee for Newfoundland) and six to eight accounting support staff from the host club will be charged with the responsibility of correctly tabulating the marks awarded by the judges. through no fault of their own deserve

Ross Ashbourne and his 15 person committee have been working for the past two months organizing the competition. Silver Jets Figure Skating Club has a membership of 100 skaters, eight of which have qualified to skate at provincials.

Contact: Judy Mugford, (709) 781-2036.