Skating
For the first time ever, from February 1st to March 2nd, outdoor skating is being held at Olympic Stadium in Amsterdam. Installation of the ice was a massive undertaking that began weeks ago, with the result being a fabulous skating oval celebrating a favourite sport of the Dutch and the 2014 Winter Olympics. People are travelling from all across the country to enjoy the skating and the ambience. At the end of the month, the Dutch allround and sprint competitions will be held at the Stadium, so there will also be some excitement for spectators.
Today, I strapped on a pair of bright orange rental hockey-style skates and joined the afternoon crowd for a few laps around the oval. Although I skated a lot as a kid, the last time I remember being on skates was about 25 years ago, and then I only ever skated using figure skates. Needless to say, my skating form was very awkward, with about the same technique and speed as a small child! I enjoyed it very much though.
Most of the skaters had their own skates, and most of the skates were long-bladed speed skates. So many people were enjoying themselves as they skated effortlessly past. There was a group of about 20 or so men and women who wore matching red jackets and blue scarves. The women wore white hats and the men were in brown. They skated in pairs or larger groups, gliding gracefully side by side in perfect synchronization. The couples usually held both of each others hands, while some of the other pairs and larger groups held sticks that were about 5 feet long that I assume assisted with their synchronization. They were clearly enjoying themselves and made it look so easy!
The young boys on the other hand were all about speed and power. Forget the grace! Needless to say, falls were inevitable and there were a lot of laughs. Although it was busy, there was plenty of room for everyone on the ice. Some women were out in race attire and sprinted against one another from time to time. An area in the centre had props for the little ones to hold as they learned to skate. There were even large video screens making it possible for those both on and off the ice to watch highlights of previous Olympic skating events. Special activities are scheduled in the evenings and weekends.
The Olympic tower can be seen in the background of this photo, so I thought it fitting with the Sochi Games about to start. Over the last few months, I have taken a few other photos of the stadium and tower, as well as of an Olympian. The skating provides a very different perspective!
Comments
Sign in or get an account to comment.