Jane Symons took on the position of Head Coach for the Minden Figure Skating Club as a young college graduate in 1981, and she has dedicated herself to the position ever since. Students of all ages and skill levels credit her for creating an inclusive environment for learning, improving and competing.
Jane’s reputation for excellence in technical and artistic coaching is recognized all over the country. Her presence as a volunteer at the World Figure Skating Championships, The Nationals, and Skate Canada competitions, reflects her dedication to and enthusiasm for the sport.
With Level 3 Technical NCCP qualifications, Jane is well-qualified to instruct high achieving skaters. She has her Gold Level in figure skating dance. Jane even took ballet, tap and clogging to learn choreography and artistic abilities to pass on to her students.
When Jane recognizes the potential of skaters who could benefit from higher level coaching, she connects them with appropriate dance and spin specialists. Many elite skaters have come to the Haliburton Highlands at her invitation to offer workshops and provide their expertise.
Jane is respected for her support of students at tests, competitions and seminars. She devotes many hours to planning carnivals, selecting music for solo performances, and fundraising. When she coached in Haliburton, she won the Club Builder of the Year award.
Jane has coached many skaters through the highest achievement levels and her students have had multiple medal-winning performances in the All-Ontario Championships.
Jane has always been an active community member. She played softball for 20 years and plays in the Highland’s Wind Symphony, the concert band, and the Highlands Chamber Orchestra, as well as singing in the church choir.
Her continuing efforts as a skating coach and involvement with the Ontario Senior Games Association as an athlete and convenor is further proof of her lifelong contributions to sport.
Thank you, Jane, for your decades of inspiration, guidance and support for the youth of the Haliburton Highlands.
