Professional figure skater and Tik Tok legend, Elladj Balde flashed the blades Wednesday to help kick off UptownB次元官网网址檚 2021 holiday experience and fundraiser.

On a 60-foot synthetic skating rink at the Saanich shopping centre, Balde performed impressive tricks and spent time with wonderstruck fans.

B次元官网网址淓lladj is inspiring the next generation of youth in Victoria and around the world and while he was here he also gave some helpful skating tips B次元官网网址� one little boy even had a moonwalk-off with him,B次元官网网址� said Kara Chomistek, whose company PARK brought the skater to Saanich.

Balde has 1.1 million followers on Tik Tok and is the first Black male figure skater and non-Olympian to join the cast of Stars On Ice. He is a voice encouraging diversity in the figure skating world and recently launched Skate Global Foundation, a non-profit organization that he co-founded with his wife.

B次元官网网址淚 really enjoyed my visit to Victoria and congratulations to the entire team at Uptown for the launch of their outdoor skating rink as part of their Winter on the Boulevard project,B次元官网网址� said Balde. B次元官网网址淚 hope the youth take the time to find joy and embrace outdoor sport, specifically skating this winter season. It brings so much joy for me to see youth from all diverse backgrounds partake in such an incredible sport.B次元官网网址�

The all-ages rink at Uptown officially opens to the public by admission on Dec. 6 from 2 to 7 p.m. Fifty per cent of all proceeds from the skate sessions will be donated to , as well as a fundraiser night for BC Disaster Relief.

Guests at Uptown will also be able to visit illuminated igloos, check out rink art by local artistic duo the WKNDRS, take photos next to a vintage truck display and other holiday activities.

Do you have a story tip? Email: megan.atkinsbaker@saanichnews.com.

Follow us on and and like us on