We are saddened to learn of the passing of Cyril Yates.
Cyril was an integral part of our association for many decades, involved in the development of generations of skaters.
We are extremely grateful not only for his dedication and commitment to officiating, but for the friendship and support he offered to so many.
Cyril was passionate about skating all his life and joined the National Ice Skating Association in 1961. He loved competing and regularly took part in open competitions during the 1960s with his partner Diane Peach, as well as being a stalwart of the Northern Ice Dance League, skating for Nottingham.
However, his real passion was judging, and he first qualified in 1972, going on to judge multiple competitions up to British Championship level, as well as being a regular test organiser and judge for a number of different rinks.
He was a particularly great supporter of the National Team Challenge event and for nearly 25 years judged both the Ice Dance and Synchro elements of the competition.
For many years Cyril used to travel to competitions together with the late Kay Robinson, and organisers got to know this, often inviting both to judge as this saved on expenses!
Cyril worked for the Gas Board for more than 30 years and retired in the early 1990s. He was an incredibly popular judge and after he retired he made himself available for as many different competitions and judging activities as he could fit in. He was known for being very accommodating and was hugely well liked and respected. Cyril judged his last competition at the Blackburn Open in 2022.
As well as judging, Cyril also served as a member of the BIS Ice Dance Technical Committee for a number of years. He will be fondly remembered for his positive and encouraging approach, which helped calm nerves and motivate skaters at so many test sessions, competitions, and beyond.
British Ice Skating is truly grateful for the dedication and support Cyril showed to the skating community, and he will be dearly missed. Our deepest sympathies are with his friends and family at this difficult time.
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