SAFSA Welcomes Italian Figure Skating Coach Luca Demattè for Exclusive Training Camps
The South African Figure Skating Association (SAFSA) is excited to announce that highly-regarded international coach, Luca Demattè, will be visiting South Africa to conduct several exclusive training camps for local figure skaters where he will be focusing on Singles as well as Pairs techniques. The sessions running from June 7 to 10 in Gauteng and June 11 to 14 in Cape Town are designed to inspire and develop local skaters by providing them with world-class coaching and insights from an accomplished international athlete and experienced coach.
Demattè, a former pair skater of the Italian national team, brings a wealth of experience from his competitive career, which includes appearances at the European Championships (2011, 2012) and Junior Worlds (2011).
“I was fortunate to be part of a supportive community from an early age, which motivated me to pursue my passion for Figure Skating professionally. Competing at major events taught me valuable lessons in managing pressure, technical precision, and resilience, which I now bring to my coaching,” says Demattè.
Demattè, who has also performed in prestigious shows such as Art on Ice in Switzerland from 2017 to 2024, is eager to share his knowledge with South African skaters: “I’m excited to connect with local skaters and help them develop their skills. Experiencing a new skating community and bringing fresh perspectives to the sport is truly inspiring.”
During the camps, Demattè will focus on core skating fundamentals, edge control, and jumps, incorporating pair-specific techniques as needed. “I try to adapt my coaching to each skater’s level, ensuring that beginners build a strong foundation while advancedskaters refine their techniques and performance,” says Demattè.
“International experience broadens competitive horizons and provides opportunities to learn from the best. South African Singles and Pairs skaters can benefit from gaining new techniques and understanding global standards, which can elevate their performance and open doors to further opportunities,” he says. “Stay focused, work hard, and embrace every opportunity to gain experience and grow. Consistency is key. Regular practice and perseverance through challenges are essential. International success comes with time, dedication, and a strong mindset.”
In addition to sharing technical skills across Singles and Pairs techniques, Demattè brings a coaching philosophy rooted in trust, communication, and continuous improvement.
“My experiences have taught me that strong relationships, whether between skaters or with coaches, are key to success,” says Demattè. “I aim to inspire local skaters, enhance their skills, and nurture their love for Figure Skating. By sharing my knowledge,I hope to boost their confidence and encourage them to reach new heights, building a stronger future for the sport in South Africa.”
SAFSA is equally enthusiastic about the opportunity for local skaters to learn from such a distinguished coach.
The training camps with Luca Demattè are part of SAFSA’s ongoing commitment to developing local talent and fostering international connections within the Figure Skating community.
Gian-Quen said her journey was not easy or a fairytale. There were no princes to save the damsel in distress or knights in shining armour. There was her, fighting to prove that she earned the right to be here. There were good days and bad days and “I cannot days”. There were good practices and competitions, and there were soul-destroying moments, too many adversities to count, but her need to succeed far outweighed her fear of failure. It took blood, sweat, tears and prayers to be who she is today. Recently, Central Gauteng Coach, Dino Quatro, told her: “Don’t ignore the bad days, be it practice or competitions. They had a significant role to play in the athlete you are today “, and that hit home.
Matthew Samuels, age 23, born in Atlantis, South Africa, has been pursuing his passion for figure skating from the age of 6 and has been climbing the ranks in figure skating with quiet determination. Matthew was nurtured into the skater he is today by his previous coach Oula Jaaskelainen who also coached his current coach, Megan Allely Painczyk, when she was still skating. When Oula moved to Canada, he passed the reigns over to Megan to continue developing Matthew. Even though Oula lives in Canada he is still very actively involved with Matthew’s training.
This has been a long and trying road for Matthew, but he has proven that he can still hold his own even when faced with extreme physical and mental difficulties. Matthew has managed to rise above these challenges with a very strong inner circle who believes in his abilities. He has improved significantly even with the Covid-19 restrictions limiting training and funding available to him.
