Billingham Ice Skating Club and Whitley Bay Ice Skating Club hosted the 2022 North East Opens between 14th – 17th February at Billingham Forum Ice Arena and it couldn’t have been a better week! This fantastic competition saw ice skaters compete in British Ice Skating singles levels and adult competitions and saw amazing skates by all who competed.
After almost a 3 year break for most, it was great to see these skater back on the ice and competing at a professional level. Competitors from across the UK descended upon Billingham to take part and cheer their loved ones, with competitors from Oxford, Edinburgh and Belfast!
Kim Crowther, Billingham Skating Club Committee Member and one of the organisers of the 2022 North East Opens, told us “The week went very smoothly! Billingham Forum’s staff have been really supportive in the build up, during organising the event and throughout the week itself. We’ve had comments from everyone on how well the event has been run. This is the first competition in years, since COVID hit, and it’s shown how much of a need there is for shows like this. We took a gamble in organising the event, as things were very uncertain when we starting planning it, but luckily it’s paid off! The competitors kept themselves going through the pandemic and numerous lockdowns, it’s great for them to be able to set down markers again and we’re so proud of everyone who took part.”
We are very thankful to everyone who helped make the 2022 North East Opens the great success it was! From those who organised, volunteered and helped run the event to all of the competitors and their families for taking time to attend, we are incredibly grateful. We look forward to seeing you all next year!