In sync with time

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WESTMINSTER - From the age of seven, Debbie Minter knew that skating would be a big part of her life. She remembers her parents taking her to an outdoor ice skating rink and how she instantly fell in love with the sport.

"I knew from about age eight that I wanted to be a coach," said Minter.

While she competed in figure skating as a teen, coaching became her way of staying connected to the sport. For years she has gotten great satisfaction from teaching young figure skaters and watching them improve.

"I love seeing them learn something new and seeing them get that same passion."

At age 50, Minter never dreamed that she would ever compete as a figure skater again. That changed a few years ago when a friend ask her join a synchronized skating team.

"At first I thought that it was just a crazy idea," said Minter.

Very quickly, that thought changed. "I love my team," said Minter.

She is one of 13 skaters on the LaFuria synchronized skate team. They compete at the masters' level, a division for skaters above the age of 25.

The skaters on their team range in age from 27 to 60 years old.

They defy the stereotype of competitive figure skaters all being in their teens and early twenties. The members of their team also come from all walks of life.

"We have an attorney, a rocket scientist and an engineer," says Minter.

There are also several figure skating teachers, like Minter and Julie Sylvester.

Minter and Sylvester have something else in common. "We are grandmothers," says Minter with a laugh. She has one granddaughter and another grandchild on the way. Sylvester has three grandchildren.

Age and grandchildren aside, LaFuria is a very competitive and successful team.

Three years ago they won the bronze medal at the National Synchronized Skating Championships.

This year they are ranked fifth in the country and will be competing in the upcoming national championships in Portland, Maine. The championships will be held March 3-8.

Minter says she would have never guessed back when she was competing as a teen that an opportunity like this would exist.

"Yeah, if you would have told me that I would be competing at the national level, there's no way I would have believed you."

The LaFuria synchronized skating program offers opportunities for skaters at all ages and skating levels. They will be hosting free open house skating sessions in April.

If you are interested in getting more information about their program and skating opportunities you can visit their website at www.lafuriasynchro.com