Full-fledged skating rink getting ready in Udupi

 

Udupi, 27 Jun 2013 (DHNS): The work on a full-fledged skating rink, at Ayurveda garden at Muniyala in Udupi is in final stage and the rink will be open for the public use shortly.

 

There are over 500 skaters in the district. The number of speed skaters is 150. Owing to lack of facilities, many have been practicing in private rinks. As the size of the private skating rink is small, they find it difficult to practice and compete in the national and international level competitions.

 

The CMC had earmarked Rs 25 lakh for the skating rink. The length of the rink is 115 metre and the width is 5.3 metre. The work on the rink had commenced six months ago. Initially it was planned to complete the work within three months. However, change in the design delayed the work.

 

Major work on the rink has been completed. With the rains lashing the district, the work could not be completed. The rink will be ready in a month time, said the contractor.

 

Speaking to CMC Commissioner Gokuldas Nayak said that the rink has been laid with a raised platform. For the safety of the practicing children, railings will be built.

 

Upadhya Roller Skating Academy’s Lakshminarayana Upadhya said “we have best skaters in the district. There was shortage of rinks to practice in the district.

 

We had placed the demand for a rink a few years ago. Now, the rink is ready and will be completed shortly. Once the rink is ready, then children can practice and compete in the national and international level competitions.”

 

If a permanent trainer is appointed after the completion of the rink, then it would help upcoming talent in the field.