On May 26, in the quiet coastal town 550 participants put on their roller skates to compete in the competition where teams from Puducherry excelled.
For the first time in Puducherry, the All India Open Roller Skating Competition was held from May 26 – 28 at the Government Roller Skating Rink in Lawspet. “Children from different parts of the country participated in the competition,” said G.S.R.Prasad, general secretary, Pondicherry Roller Skating Association.
Based on the age group, the teams were divided into four categories – between 8 and 10 years; 10-12 years; 12-16 years and above 16 years. These groups competed at different competitions including speed, art (skating to dance and music), slalom and hockey (skating).
Mr. Prasad noted that competing in roller skating was not new to Puducherrians. Of the 550 participants, 133 were from Puducherry.
“Out of the 240 medals awarded to the winners, children from Puducherry bagged 80 medals,” he said, adding that Puducherrians have participated in many national level roller skating competitions.
“They have won six medals in a national level competition held in Noida, and eight medals at a competition in Bangalore,” he said. Puducherry has 15 roller skating clubs with a minimum of 20 skaters in each club.
The Pondicherry Roller Skating Association was started in 1998 with six active skating clubs. “From 2008 onwards, we started participating and winning medals at the national level,” he noted.
