The ISU World Development Trophy for non-European ISU Members was held in the Icescape Ice Rink, IOI City Mall, Kuala Lumpur and attracted 57 skaters and 24 coaches from 14 countries. Most participants took part in the 2014 World Development Trophy in Manila (PHI) or heard of the successful experience of previous ISU Development events. This is the reason for the large increase in participants.
The Ice Skating Association of Malaysia hosted the Trophy. The moderator of the event was World and Olympic coach Ms Shanette Folle who used the successful experience of the 2014 Trophy and introduced several innovations in the organization and training process of the camp. This time all the coaches present took part in every training session of the camp. Besides observing the training process guided by Ms Folle the coaches got involved in the assignments and tasks. The work was then analyzed and suggestions were made to help intensify the learning process for coaches.
Several coaches meetings took place in order to analyze competitions and training sessions. There was also a very positive exchange between the coaches, skaters, the moderator and Technical Specialists present who included Artem Knjazev from Uzbekistan and Jae-Eun Chung from Korea. All features of a Figure Skating program and elements were discussed. Also Ms Jae-Eun Chung composed a video to study the principles and requirements of the ISU Judging System and presented it at the coaches and skaters meeting.
As per the previous 2014 Kuala Lumpur ISU World Develpment Trophy, particular attention was given on how to improve Skating Skills, as well as basic and difficult elements, composition of programs and methods to learn and use the modern and technical transitions. Because the average standard of participating skaters was higher than previous years, it was also possible to work on the choreography of composing transitions and programs as a whole.
The training camp was preceded by the competition which consisted of a Short Program & Free Skating for Junior Ladies and Men, and Free Skating for both Basic Novice A and B for Boys and Girls.
According to Ms Rita Zonnekeyn, ISU Single & Pair Skating Technical Committee Member, who acted as Referee during the competitions, particular progress could be seen from the skaters if comparing the performances with the previous years. Ms Zonnekeyn highlighted that all skaters tried really hard to have better components. Also jumps and spins were improved. It must be noted that the skaters still need to practice the difficult jumps for the landing but that is the case for everybody worldwide.
Overall, the participating coaches, skaters, moderators and organizers felt that this event was a real success. Most participants expressed an interest to continue participating in these comprehensive and productive ISU World Development Trophy events.