MANKATO, MN (June 18, 2026) — The Mankato Figure Skating Club (MFSC) will welcome Olympic figure skating legend Surya Bonaly and nationally respected coach Peter Biver to Mankato for a sold-out two-day summer skating camp, Skate into Summer, on June 29 and 30 at All Seasons Arena, home of the Mankato Figure Skating Club.
The camp filled quickly, drawing an overwhelming response from figure skaters eager for the opportunity to train with world-class coaches. Sixty skaters, representing four skill groups ranging from Learn to Skate participants to U.S. Figure Skating Gold Medalists, will take part in the event. More than 40 participants are traveling from outside the Greater Mankato area, with skaters coming from throughout Minnesota—including as far north as International Falls—as well as Iowa and South Dakota.
Surya Bonaly’s accomplishments include nine French national championships, five European titles, three Olympic appearances, and three World Championship silver medals. She is internationally recognized as the first woman to attempt quadruple jumps in ISU competition and remains one of the sport’s most iconic athletes and coaches.
Joining Bonaly is nationally respected coach Peter Biver, Figure Skating Director and Head Coach at Shattuck-St. Mary’s. A six-time U.S. Figure Skating Gold Medalist and former national competitor, Biver has coached numerous national and international athletes and is known for his expertise in jump development, skating skills, and athlete progression across all levels of the sport.
“We are incredibly honored to welcome Olympian Surya Bonaly, coach Peter Biver, and skaters from across the region to Mankato,” said Ines Wingert, President of the Mankato Figure Skating Club and summer camp Co-Chair. “Hosting a camp of this caliber is an exciting milestone for our club and our community. We’re especially grateful for the local businesses, organizations, sponsors, and families whose continued support makes opportunities like this possible. Figure skating is a unique sport with significant costs—especially ice time—and community support allows us to provide exceptional experiences for our skaters while helping make the sport more accessible for families.”
The camp will feature on-ice instruction, skill development, jump and spin technique, and specialized training for skaters of all levels, from those just beginning their skating journey to advanced competitive athletes. Throughout the two-day event, participants will receive personalized coaching from internationally and nationally recognized instructors while refining technical skills, building confidence, and learning alongside fellow skaters from across the Upper Midwest.
“One of the most rewarding parts of planning this camp has been seeing the excitement from our skaters and families,” said Anna Fisher, Treasurer and summer camp Co-Chair for the Mankato Figure Skating Club. “To watch this event grow into a sold-out camp featuring internationally recognized coaches is something our club is incredibly proud of. We hope every skater leaves Mankato with new skills, greater confidence, lasting friendships, and memories that will inspire them for years to come.”
“This is the kind of opportunity that can leave a lasting impression on a young skater,” said Sarah Otto, longtime Mankato Figure Skating Club coach and board member. “Training with coaches who have competed and coached at the highest levels inspires skaters to dream bigger while giving them practical tools they can immediately take back to the ice. Experiences like this help build not only stronger skaters, but more confident and resilient young people.”
Founded in 1978, the Mankato Figure Skating Club has been serving the Greater Mankato community for nearly five decades. The nonprofit organization provides year-round skating opportunities for participants of all ages and abilities through Learn to Skate USA curriculum, as well as competitive training, testing, exhibitions, and community performances. The club continues to expand its programming while welcoming new skaters from across southern Minnesota.
Although registration for the summer camp sold out well in advance, community members interested in learning more about the Mankato Figure Skating Club and upcoming programs can visit the club’s website or follow the organization on social media (Facebook and Instagram).