Children watched in awe as two Olympic ice skaters glided majestically around the first skating rink to be built in Bermuda.

Tiffany Scott and Philip Dulebohn dazzled the crowd of more than 100 people with daring lifts and skilful twirls during three back-to-back performances for the official launch of the synthetic arena on Saturday.

The pair, who competed for the United States at the Winter Games in 2002 in Salt Lake City, were given a rousing reception by the scores of children that gathered at the Somers Garden in St George.

Scherene Bailey, who watched the display with her husband, Cornell Sr and son, Cornell Jr, told The Royal Gazette that the establishment of the skating ring was an extra draw to the East End.

“I love skating and have skated when I’m in the United States, so it’s amazing to see professional skaters in Bermuda,” she said.

“It’s just a great environment to be in and to bring that environment to Bermuda shows that anything is possible.

“It’s also good news for the town of St George to have something like this; I will be coming down next week to give the skating a try myself.”

Chesney Pearman added: “It’s great to see something like this in Bermuda; it brings a whole different element to the town.

“It also gives people another reason to come down to St George’s.

“It’s new and we Bermudians love something new.”

For 11-year-old Kaylani Simmons, Saturday’s performance by the two American Olympians was the first time she has seen figure skating.

“It was really nice to see the display. I’ll be coming down next month. I hope so that I can give it a go myself,” she said.

The temporary skating rink, which was open to the public yesterday between 2pm and 8pm, will remain in place in the Olde Towne until January 2. Cher Przelomski, vice-president of the Planning Factory, who created the event, said she was thrilled to see so many people turn out.

“It’s a great feeling to see it all come together,” she said.

“We really appreciate the work of all the sponsors, members of our team and the Corporation of St George’s who worked so hard to make this a reality. I’m just really proud of everyone involved, it was very much a team effort.”

Meanwhile, St George’s MP, Kenneth Bascome, hailed the success of the event. “I would like to thank everyone who has worked to organise this event in St George’s including the Mayor and the Corporation,”

“I hope this is something that will become an annual event. It is certainly good to see everyone turn up for the performance of the Olympic skaters today.”