YOUNG SKATERS TAKING TO THE ICE ON PATH TO GLORY.

VALENCIA - More than 200 recreational ice skaters, ages 3 and up, will strut their stuff this weekend at the Ice Skating Institute Inaugural Open Championships at Ice Station Valencia.

``This event is both a stepping stone for skaters moving up the competition ladder as well as an experience-builder for those who will be performing in front of a live audience for the first time,'' said Bridget Dunn, Ice Station skating director.

There are a few youngsters to keep an eye on throughout the weekend, including Jessica Terzian, 9, Hannah Rongitsch, 11, and Megan Wolfe, 11, Dunn said.

``A good performance here will help build a skater's reputation with the judges, who will be evaluating performances as skaters go on to compete in regional and then national competitions,'' she said.

The competition will kick off today with the Tiny Tot Girls Foursomes.

``They steal the show every time,'' Dunn said of the Tot divisions, which also compete at 1 p.m. Sunday. ``It's so cute. They do really simple stuff like march, glide, swivel and stop, but they do enough.''

Admission to the competition is free and is scheduled between 2 and 7 p.m. today, and between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. Sunday. The Ice Station is located at 27745 N. Smyth Drive, Valencia. For information about the competition, call [phone].