Ice Skating Facts From Around the World

Did you know that ice skating began as an energy-saving way to get across large icy areas?

The first skates were made from the leg bones of large animals, where holes were made at each end of the bone and tied to each foot with leather straps.

The American, Jackson Haines, is known as the founder of modern figure skating. He became famous because he was the first to include movements from ballet and dance, such as jumps and spins, into his skating.

In 1876, John Gamgee built the Glaciarium, the first artificial ice rink (mechanically-refrigerated) in Chelsea, London, England.

The figure skating judging and competitions in the Winter Olympic Games is regulated by the International Skating Union (ISU). The ISU is the oldest governing international winter sport federation, founded in 1892.

Types of figure skating that are part of the Olympic Games are: ladies’ singles, men’s singles, pair skating (couples) and ice dancing (couples).

Recreational activities that can be played on ice include: ice hockey, Rousette skating, Various tagging games, Curling, and broom ball.

Come to Ice Den and take part in an activity that helped our ancestors survive by using up less energy to get around in cold climates—ice skating!