The WMU International Programs Council hosted its annual Ice Capades event at Lawson Arena on Saturday, Feb. 2. The theme this year was, "Ugly Sweaters," which included a contest to name the ugliest sweater worn by a skater.

The International Programs Council (IPC) meets weekly and includes international and domestic students interested in meeting and experiencing different cultures. IPC’s Ice Capades was voted Best New Event by the campus community in 2001 and has been hosted by IPC every year since.

"Ice Capades is a great opportunity for students to meet one another, while experiencing something new for many – ice skating," said Stephen Wood, international programming intern at the Haenicke Institute. "This is the first opportunity for many international students to experience winter activities they would not otherwise have the chance to try at home."

Click on the photo to visit the Ice Capades photo gallery!

Here’s what some of the students who participated had to say about the event:

"I liked seeing familiar faces, the relaxed atmosphere and that students from all over the world had a great time together on the ice."

"Somewhere in the ice ring of craziness and ugliness of this year’s Ice Capades, my cold was replaced with all the laughter and fun."

"It was an activity with loads of fun, which I believe was a great experience for everyone, skating with locals and international students. Yes, some had unwanted falls, but it was a very joyful night, a night to be remembered!"

"I really enjoyed the Ice Capades, and I'm wondering why IPC doesn't do it more often – it's so popular! There were a lot of people, bunch of fun, good music, and some awesome falls, anyway it was a highlight of my week."

"I think IPC Ice Capades was a huge success. I was glad to see so many people there even though some of them couldn't skate, but they had the guts to try and after all the point was that everybody had fun."