Two young roller skaters from Whakatāne have benefited from world class training on their home turf.

Thea Hollis, 11, and Indy Stoddard, 9, have been training for skating competitions for the past year with Te Moana-a-Toi's Sarah Johnson.

Recently, they were fortunate to watch a coaching session with former world champion Italian roller skater Alessandra Sain and have their own session with one of their roller-skating heroes, Auckland’s Mercedes Carrascosa.

Johnson hired the War Memorial Hall to host the coaching sessions with skaters of all ages travelling from Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga and the North Shore.

“This hall is one of the best skating venues in the northern region,” she said. “Some of the best skaters from around the country have come to learn some international level skating styles; it’s very, very cool.”

Sain led only two skating sessions during her visit to New Zealand with the other in Blenheim.

Thea and Indy were part of a younger beginner group coached by Auckland Artistic Roller-Skating Club coach Carrascosa, who has represented New Zealand internationally in artistic roller-skating.

Thea said it was exciting to see Carrascosa in person.

Her mum, Amanda Johnstone, said Thea and Indy had been following Carrascosa and her skating content on TikTok before the coaching opportunity came up.

“It was incredible, we are honestly so stoked to have it held here. The kids came away buzzing after everything they learned,” she said.

The girls, their parents and coach hope to build more of a skating base in Whakatāne.

“They’ve started with beginner competitions this year, and we are prepping them for a national level,” Ms Johnson said.

“Anyone wanting to join can contact me through the Te Moana-a-Toi Facebook page.”