Photo: contributed
Diane Nielsen, center, accepts her induction into the Skate Canada BC/Yukon Hall of Fame.
A Penticton native and Honorary Life Member of Summerland’s Glengarry Skating Club has just been inducted into the Skate Canada BC/Yukon Hall of Fame.
Diane Nielsen won her spot in the Builder category, recognizing her years of volunteering with various figure skating organizations in the province and raising funds to advance the sport.
Nielsen has held all positions on the Glengarry FSC Board of Directors, the Okanagan Region Board of Directors, and the BC/Yukon Section Board of Skate Canada.
She then took on the role of Team Lead for Skate Canada BC/YK, where she really shone according to the organization.
“Diane has started fundraising to raise money for team functions. The team room at competitions has been an integral part of team dynamics. A safe place for the skaters to relax and unwind when not competing,” the organization said in a press release.
“Sales of stuffed animals was Diane’s trademark, and stuffed animal after stuffed animal raised funds for the BC/YK Section Athlete Support Fund. Diane’s passion for the skaters never wavered in her fundraising goals and she helped raise over $800,000 for the BC/YK Section Athlete Support fund.”
Nielsen was inducted into the Hall of Fame along with four others on Sunday.
“This marks our seventh year of induction this year, recognizing five remarkable people who have spent much of their lives helping to build a strong, healthy and thriving figure skating community in British Columbia,” said Ted Barton, Executive Director of Skate Canada BC/YK.
“With this introduction, they will never be forgotten for their contribution to building the landscape of figure skating in BC.”
Glengarry Skating Club head coach Trevor Buttenham is delighted with the recognition from Nielsen.
“We are extremely proud of the work this Penticton resident has done for our sport over the years at club, regional, section, national, international and Olympic levels.”
The Kelowna Skating Club also gave a shoutout, posting “big congratulations” to Nielsen on social media.