14th July 2010

Sure Summer Skate July Opening

Following the success of Sure Winter Skate last Christmas, it has been confirmed that the ice-rink will return for a summer season this July. The rink will again be located in the Villa Marina Gardens with the same capacity as last winter. Sure Summer Skate aims to provide a first class recreational facility for the Island’s residents and visitors within beautiful surroundings.
 
Kyran Bracken, former England rugby union player and Dancing on Ice star will be visiting the Isle of Man to launch the rink on the 30th July. The rink will open to the public on Saturday 31st July for five consecutive weeks, closing on the evening of the 8th September. Opening times are 10am - 10pm every day, with tickets available to book online at www.sureskate.com. A special Sure Summer Skate ice-cream will be launched by Davison’s who will be selling ice cream and refreshments on- site.
 
Sure customers can skate at the reduced rate of £5 on Friday 30th and Saturday 31st July. Customers will be sent a discount voucher via text which should be shown at the box office - subsequently discounted bookings can only be made in person (not online) and are subject to availability.
 
Plans for a Sure Summer Skate School to run in conjunction with the season have also been confirmed. The course is open to children and teenagers aged 7 - 17 yrs, with two 5 day courses to choose from: Monday 2nd - Friday 6th August and Monday 9th - Friday 13th August.
 
The school will be run by Karen Barber, ex Olympic skater and former judge on ITV’S popular Dancing on Ice show. Karen is also a NISA Level 4 Coach who works with all the celebrities on Dancing on Ice to perfect routines devised by former World Champions Torvill & Dean. Karen is looking forward to returning to the Island, commenting “I was given such a great reception last year by everyone here. I know that the Sure Summer Skate is going to be a great success and that everyone will enjoy it.”
Sure Summer Skate School costs £100, which includes 5 daily sessions from 10am - 12.30pm, Monday to Friday. Participants will also receive a free skate pass to be used during the week outside of skate school. Anyone interested in the Sure Summer Skate School should e-mail: sureskateiom@gmail.com.
 
Mike Stanton, Sure Country Manager commented: “We are excited about bringing skating back to the Island this summer. There was a lot of demand for professional coaching over the winter event so we’re sure that the Skate school will be well received.”
Hon David Cretney MHK, Minister for Community Culture and Leisure said, “After the success and enthusiasm over the Christmas period, when over 30,000 skaters took to the ice, I am delighted that the Sure Skate Ice Rink is returning to the Villa Marina Gardens this summer. I am also very pleased that as well as enjoying the ice, skaters have the opportunity to receive professional coaching and learn techniques that will enhance their enjoyment further. With Sure Summer Skate, concerts and shows all confirmed there will be something for everyone to enjoy at the Villa Marina and Gaiety Theatre this summer.”
 
Sure have also signed a contract to secure the Sure Winter Skate for the next two years, meaning the Villa Marina Gardens will yet again be transformed into a skating winter-wonderland this Christmas.