Morgan inspires state's ice skate championships
Amy Dale, Daily Telegraph
19 July 2007

GRIEVING the loss of three of their own, the state's ice skating fraternity turned out in force for the start of the NSW Figure Skating Championships at Penrith Ice Palace last night.

The event is the first state championship held since the March 28 HarbourCat ferry accident that claimed the lives of two respected ice skating judges and a rising star in the sport.

NSW Ice Skating Association president Dr Alan Blinn, 47, skating judge Simone Moore, 44, 14-year-old Queensland ice skating champion Morgan Innes were killed when the HarbourCat and a pleasure cruiser collided under the Harbour Bridge.

A fourth man whose identity was never made public, also died while among those injured was former Winter Olympian Liz Cain, who had part of her left leg amputated.

NSW ISA treasurer and championships co-convenor Michael Santer said this week's event would be "tinged with sadness".

"There is always excitement associated with the championships, but this year that is tempered with the sadness that some of our best friends will not be here," Mr Santer said.

Yellow wristbands are being sold at the championships with the phrase: "Enjoy a Morgan moment."

That is a reference to the eulogy delivered by Morgan's father Robert Innes at the Brisbane schoolgirl's funeral.

"Take something you're passionate about and go for it," Mr Innes told mourners. "Think of something good and call it a Morgan moment."

The event ends Sunday.