The first skates appeared in man in tho 1314th ceaturi in Russia skates became popular durbr ster the East's reign. ' The firet figure skating competition took place in 1878, The first internatonal competition took place in 1892, women took part in the world championship in 1924. In 1920 figure skating appeared in the olympic programme. 4. People began to play hockey in the middle of the 18th century. The first rules were introduced in 1877. The first women's hockey game was played in ottawa in 1892. The stanley Cup "was awarded for the first time in 1893. In 1917 the National Hockey Laague was formed. Hockey appeared in the pro- gramme of the Olympic Games in 1920