Story: Roller skating and skateboarding

Champion figure skater Valerie White, 1955 (2nd of 4)

In 1955, 15-year old Valerie White of Napier headed to Barcelona, Spain, to represent New Zealand at the international roller skating championships. This was the first year New Zealand roller skaters had competed internationally. Watch Valerie as she glides around a rink in front of a crowd, including her adoring mother and grandmother, at Napier's Marine Parade in her home town. 

Using this item

Archives New Zealand - Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga
Reference: Pictorial Parade 38. National Film Unit, 1955

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How to cite this page:

Kerryn Pollock, 'Roller skating and skateboarding - Roller skating', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/video/39803/champion-figure-skater-valerie-white-1955 (accessed 25 April 2024)

Story by Kerryn Pollock, published 5 Sep 2013