Gliding To Success

The edited version of this story first appeared in Simcoe Life Magazine

Spring 2007

 

Out for her routine cardio session, Sundae Brown, wife, mother of two, and dental hygienist by day is thinking miles ahead of her 14 km bicycle ride. Pounding out stress through the pedals, she does a mental inventory of the daily activities that will eventually lead to the end of the week. As sweet as her name implies, the petite 40-year-old blonde remembers it is hot dog day at her children’s school. She forgot to give the kids their hot dog money. Considering most people would need a nitrous fuel bottle to keep pace with Brown, we’ll let her away with that one – after all it’s ice time at Mariposa.

Under the coaching of Doug Leigh, director of Mariposa School of Skating in Barrie and coach to the likes of Elvis Stojko and Brian Orser, Brown began her skating career at the tender age of three. A love of skating and the desire to inspire the passion in others drove her to begin teaching her ice skills at the age of 15. Specializing in choreography and dance, Brown’s attitude towards her achievements is surprisingly humble.

“My mom inspired me to pursue skating. She has been a skating coach since the age of 17 and is still going strong. She has taught me a very strong work ethic and always made me feel that I could do anything I set my mind to. My sister is also a skater and is assistant administrator at Mariposa School of Skating Office.”

A very busy mom indeed – in addition to Mariposa, Brown also lends her time to the skaters in Penetanguishene. Her children didn’t escape unscathed either – her 9 year old daughter figure skates, while her 7 year old son figure skates in addition to hockey. With all this ice skating going on, when is there time for ice cream?

Photo ©Elizabeth Bokfi