A family of champion skaters

Press, 7 June 1982, Page 9

A family of champion skaters

A pair of cricket boots with strap-on skates were Paul Hushton's first competition skates earning him a placing in the Canterbury speed skating championships at the age o'f 14. The following year, with a new pair of skates, he went out and took the Canterbury title. Paul and his family (with

the exception of the eldest sister) are all keen skaters. His brothers. Mark and Owen, were both Australasian speed champions and his sistdr. Beverley, was a .\’ew Zealand champion and is now a professional coach. For many years now. the family has been involved with 'skating and with the opening of Rolierland. can

now channel its experience and knowledge of skating in to this venture. Although owned by Paul and his wife. Lyn. the entire Rushion family help out during the week at the rink. The completion of Rollerland is a milestone for Paul and Lyn. who initially were discouraged by outsiders when their proposals were

announced. Even as the plans took shape, it was a worrying time. The house had been sold and Paul retired from his car painting and panelbeating business to build the complex. It meant waiting until opening day before they could really see if the venture had been worthwhile.

Fortunately their timing was perfect (with the May school holidays), and the rink has proved to be very popular. The rink is open seven days a week and a staff of five, as well as part-timers, are needed to keep the sessions running smoothly. In the first tew weeks of opening, hundreds of children and adults took advantage of the new facility. Immediate plans for the rink are to provide rink championships inter-rink competitions and through the professional! coaching of Beverley Rush-

ton. to bring roller skaters up to world standard. With the growing number of privately owned skating rinks throughout the country, there has also grown the need for an association to express their views. The New Zealand Rink Operators Association was formed last year to discuss the problems of operating a rink and improving facilities for skaters. Paul and Lyn have been members of this association since it was founded.