Flips, lutzes, axels—these are but a few maneuvers in the repertoire of artistic roller skaters. The lesser-known sister to figure skating glides into view this week with the 2008 Regional Artistic Roller Skating Championship. Competitors will attempt to roll over the competition on four-wheeled blades of glory (artistic roller skating can be performed on inline skates or traditional roller skates, though the two often compete in separate categories).
Veteran skater and East Longmeadow resident 69-year-old Richard Lapponese (pictured) may perform his last competitive lutz in the contest—Lapponese, ranked third nationwide, plans on hanging up his skates following the season. (The regional competition offers him a shot at the national title in the 55-and-older Veterans Division.)
June 28-July 1, Interskate 91, 2043 Boston Rd., Wilbraham, (413) 543-3991.
