Harbin, China, August 18, 2025: Vinod Kumar Tiwari, OCA Deputy Director General, bid farewell to the young participants at the Asian Figure Skating Youth Camp by reminding them that they were the future of the continent.
Speaking at the closing ceremony for the OCA-ISU-CAIC camp at the Harbin Ice Hockey Arena on Monday, August 18, Tiwari noted: “The 10-day journey is at an end and all of us at the OCA feel immense pride at what you have achieved.
“This camp was just not about training, but about forging friendships. While it ends today, the connections you have made will last a lifetime. You are the future of figure skating in Asia and we are very proud of all of you,” Tiwari said.
The importance of this camp was underlined by the very fact that the OCA Director General broke his journey on his way to Sanya - for a coordination commission meeting for the 6th Asian Beach Games in April next year – to be present at the closing ceremony.
The President of the International Skating Union, Kim Jae Youl, also addressed the ceremony in a video message. Kim said: “I have been closely following the progress of the camp, and I’m excited to see what all of you will achieve in the future. I hope you take your skills back home as well as the friendships you made.”
Speaking on behalf of the group of international instructors, Chrisha Gossard praised the participants for the “energy, dedication and passion” they had displayed over the past nine days.
“I’m sure the future of figure skating in Asia is very bright having watched you. This camp is just one step in your journey and I wish you all well,” Gossard said.
Gossard, along with head instructor Julian Yee, choreographer Kim Hae Jin, and the coach of the United Arab Emirates Mark Belkin and Chinese-Taipei Shih Wun Chang, gave a glimpse of what the children can achieve with a brief but dazzling dance on ice.
All participants, children, coaches and instructors, received a participatory certificate as well as souvenirs which were handed out by the dignitaries which included Zhang Haihua, Vice Mayor, Harbin Municipal Government, and Bai Zhiguo, Director, Harbin Sports Bureau.
Director Bai reminded everyone: “This camp served as an important international winter sports exchange and is the inaugural event of the Asian Winter Sports Training Centre in Harbin. I extend my highest respect to all the young Asian figure skaters who participated.”
The closing ceremony ended on a poignant note with the youth skaters presenting a framed OCA T-shirt signed by all participants to the Vice Mayor of Harbin.
