Nova Junior, the local team, finished 4th. (Credits: Danielle Earl Photography - 2021)

The 2021 edition of the Invitation synchro Nova St-Hubert Invitational took place last weekend in St-Hubert, in the Montreal region, Canada. With the pandemic, this event took place in a unique atmosphere.

- It was a real relief for the Quebec teams to be back in business after difficult months due to the pandemic. Tessa Sarret, member of the organizing committee, how did the event go?

Tessa Sarret: - Currently, in Quebec, we can organize sporting events by welcoming spectators according to the maximum capacity of the center. The vaccination passport is required for volunteers, spectators, athletes and accompanying persons. Wearing a mask or face cover was mandatory at all times.

- Tell us about the atmosphere...

- To organize the competition, we had to follow the protocols that Patinage Quebec requires. Thus, there were additional challenges in the operation and organization of the competition (e.g. disinfection, mask management for the teams, no medal ceremony), but everything went well thanks to the good collaboration of all. Also, compared to the last year, we could only have one day of competition and not two. It was quite a headache to make a competition schedule with over 80 teams in one day! 

- We were also fortunate to welcome teams from different provinces in Canada for the very first time. Indeed, due to the cancellation of the Winterfest competition, several teams from Ontario and even British Columbia participated in the competition. 

- What did this mean in terms of organization?

- The competition went very well, except for the weather (freezing rain) which was not on our side and caused us to start the event late! The teams, coaches, judges and spectators were all very supportive though. After almost two years, I think everyone was just so grateful to finally experience the atmosphere of a synchronized skating competition!

- What was the feedback from the public and the athletes?

- We received a lot of positive feedbacks, and the teams were very happy to have the chance to perform their program in front of their parents, friends and synchro fans!

- How do you see the season going forward?

- We really hope that the teams and the fans of synchronized skating will have the opportunity to live this experience again if the situation in Quebec allows it!