Athlete: Alicia Smith

Age: 31

From: Uxbridge, Ont.

Rock The Rink performance: November 13 at Peterborough Memorial Centre

1.    How long have you been figure skating?   
I started when I was 12, so I've been skating for 18 years

2.    What other sports do you play?  
I play golf, basketball, and bowling. I also love to ski and water ski

3.    How long have you been involved with Special Olympics? 
For 18 years, since I started skating.

4.    What is the biggest figure skating competition/performance you’ve done to date? 
I skated in Ladies Level 3 at the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games three years ago in Corner Brook, Newfoundland

5.    What was your reaction when you found out you’d be performing at Rock the Rink? 
Excited, happy tears, honoured.

6.    How are you preparing for this performance? 
I am working on a new routine for Special Olympics Canada Winter Games in Thunder Bay in February. I skate three days per week and take ballet lessons. I went and trained at Mariposa in Barrie over the summer.

7.    Who is your favourite figure skater(s)? 
Tessa, Scott, and Elvis. Once when I was skating in Richmond Hill, Elvis inspired me with his jumps. He went out to his car and brought me a picture of him, which he signed. That meant a lot to me.

8.    What do you love about skating? 
Choosing my own music, being creative, expressing myself and I feel good inside.

9.    Tell me about the routine you’ll be performing at Rock the Rink?  
I am doing a solo to the music from the movie Aladdin. The song is called "Speechless."  It is one of my favourite songs.

10.    What do you like about Special Olympics? How has it changed your life?  
I love the friends that I made over 18 years. It inspires me to be better. I have had a lot of fun at Special Olympics events over the years.

11.    What would you like to say to Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir for inviting you to perform alongside them? 
I am happy and honoured. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of this. I am so grateful. I am one of your biggest fans. You inspire me.

12.    After Rock The Rink, what’s next? 
I am working to get ready to compete in Thunder Bay at the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games in Ladies Level 4.

To support athletes like Alicia, text SPORT to 20222 to donate $10 to Special Olympics Canada.