 The Bemidji Figure Skating Club has been part of the community for 50 years. This past weekend, they wanted to give back by hosting their first-ever Skatathon, reporter Shamile Moore, has that story for this week's In Focus. An afternoon on the ice turned out to be a big success for the Bemidji Figure Skating Club. The first-ever Skatathon was held this past weekend. There were open skate sessions and then a few performances from each of the dancers. Five-time Minnesota State champ and Olympic hopeful Ren Warnie Jacobson opened with a breathtaking performance. She got her start right here in Bemidji. I took my first steps on the ice right here, so when I was five and a half and I just fell in love with it. I loved skating and just feeling the wind in my face when I could go fast. The Skatathon wasn't just to showcase some fabulous skills. The night was meant as a fundraiser to help the future Olympic team. With the Olympics coming up in February, they had decided to create something called Destination Pyeongchang, and that is for the families of the U.S. Figure Skaters to be able to travel to Korea. They just asked clubs around the country if they would just hold a Skatathon. So we just thought we were up for the challenge. The Skatathon had everything today, from Olympic hopefuls and big jumps to even a skating Santa. Ho, ho, ho! Skating is a lifelong sport. They'll be able to skate their whole life as recreationally or competitively into college or dance lines or figure skating lines. And if you ask any of the dancers, they'll agree there's nothing like being on the ice. My favorite thing about skating is probably the ice shows I've been praying for all. They're just so fun to perform for the community and everyone who wants to come. When I go out there and I can just express myself and skate to the music, it's just my favorite thing in the world and I love it. The Bemidji Figure Skating Club is getting ready to partner with the U.S. Figure Skating for their get-up program in February. They say the night wouldn't have been possible without their sponsors. We're starting to get a little name for ourselves. People from Minneapolis like to come up to Bemidji because it's a fun place to come and then their girls will take some tests and compete. And if you're thinking about hitting the ice, Rin says if you fall, never be afraid to get back up. Never give up. It can be hard sometimes. They're ups and downs, but just remember that you can do this and keep believing. In Bemidji with this week's In Focus, Cheryl Moore, Lakeland News. If you've enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to Lakeland Public Television.