On Thin Ice: Deep River, Connecticut, Skater Chelsea Rose Chiappa Seeks Olympic Success

DEEP RIVER - In this small rural town lives a 15-year-old ice skater named Chelsea Rose Chiappa who is working hard to become the next Olympic award winner.

Andrea Chiappa, Chelsea's mother, said that Chelsea's love for ice skating is "a real passion, it is a joy for her."

At age five, this passion for ice skating began after Chiappa visited the Norwich Municipal Ice Rink.

"Even when I fell, I decided to get back up again," Chiappa said.

Five years later, Chiappa set a lofty goal for herself, to compete in the Olympics.

In order to meet that goal, she has received training at the Champions Skating Center in Cromwell five days each week.

Trainer Tiesha Coale met Chiappa in 1999.

"She is really dedicated and devoted...skating is a really big commitment on her part and on her family's part," Coale said.

The latest and largest accomplishment of Chiappa was placing fourth at the Hungarian National ice skating competition in the senior lady division.

It's quite an accomplishment for a young lady who had only previously competed in the junior lady division.

"I enjoyed going there because it's my home country," Chiappa said, adding that this was the first time she has traveled outside the country to skate.

Previous to this, Chiappa's two largest accomplishments were winning fourth place at the New England Regional Competition in Marlborough, Mass. allowing her to advance to the Eastern Sectional Competition in Atlanta where she earned 12th place.

During the 2006-2007 season, Chiappa placed sixth place at the Cranberry Open in Hingaham, Mass., and placed third place at the Summer Challenge in Marlborough, Mass.

In addition to competitions, Chiappa has participated in numerous shows including UMASS Attack 2005 at the University of Massachusetts, the Connecticut College Ice Show in New London in 2005, performing as the lead role, Clara, in the Nutcracker on Ice in Norwich in 2003, participating in the Expressions on Ice at the Mohegan Sun Casino in 2003, and performing as the lead role, the sugar plum fairy, at Nutcracker on Ice in Norwich in 2002.

One of the shows that stand out in Chiappa's mind, however, was the solo appearance she had at the Symphony on Ice at the Hartford Civic Center in December 2006 where she danced in front of a crowd of about 16,000 people.

The show benefit the Toys for Tots campaign and about 16,450 toys were generously donated during the show.

In addition to skating for a good cause, Chelsea shared the spotlight with her 11-year-old brother, Christopher.

While Christopher primarily skates between September and December, Chelsea said her 14-year-old sister, Tori, hopes to make it to the Olympics.

When Coale was asked about Chelsea's chances to compete in the Olympics, she said, "When you have a skater that has the ability and starts young, the chances of becoming a competitive skater improve dramatically."

Coale believes Chiappa can achieve her dream by bringing her skating skills and stamina to the level expected of senior skaters.

Also, Coale recommends Chiappa prepare for a variety of conditions that is a challenge for any novice international traveler such as being able to quickly adapt to time changes, jet lag, and unfamiliar places.

The cost for Chiappa to compete and participate in shows is made possible through the generous support of several sponsors.

Local businesses supporting Chiappa include Deep River Hardware Store, PCI Medical of Deep River, District 23-C Deep River-Chester Lions Club, Isobel's Gift Shop in Ivoryton, and Swan Funeral Home of Clinton and Old Saybrook.

She will be selling lollipops at the 18th Annual Chester Winter Carnivale on Sunday, Feb. 17 in Chester Center.

Other fundraisers included selling holiday lollipops for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Hanukkah, chocolate roses, and homemade chocolates with a photo of Chelsea on the box.

To donate to Chiappa's skating fund visit http://chelsearose.juniorskaters.com.

When she isn't competing or participating in shows, Chelsea receives home schooling and sometimes enjoys skating alone.

Chelsea regularly shares her love and expertise of ice skating at several ice rinks where she coaches older children.

In fact, Chelsea has been assisting in the "learn to skate program" at Connecticut College since 2004.

For those who are lacing up their ice skates and are vying to compete in the Olympics, Chiappa's advice is to "work hard, believe in yourself, and never give up."