Image Credit: istockphoto.com
November 21, 2013 - 3:17 PM
KELOWNA - Skate Canada International is coming to Kelowna in 2014.
It's the first time the competition will be held in the city and though tickets aren't available yet, Skate Canada assures more information about the Oct. 31 - Nov. 2 Prospera Place event will be posted on their website as soon as it's available.
The competition will feature top figure skaters from around the world, head-to-head in four disciplines, men's ladies, pair and ice dance.
“Skate Canada International's selection of Kelowna as a host city for the November 2014 event is a tremendous opportunity for Kelowna," explains Nancy Cameron, President & CEO of Tourism Kelowna. "The event will shine an international spotlight on Kelowna and on this city’s ability to excel at hosting major events, while providing our tourism industry with a direct boost at a slower time of the year. We had a strong team of partners who brought all the pieces together, including the City of Kelowna, the Kelowna Skating Club, the Delta Grand Okanagan, RG Properties and the Kelowna Rockets.”
Skate Canada International 2013 wrapped up Oct. 27 in Saint John New Brunsick. The Sochi winter olympics, takes place Feb. 7-23, 2014. The competition in Kelowna will mark the beginning of a fresh, four year cycle toward the gold.
“We are thrilled that Kelowna will be the host community for Skate Canada International in 2014. Alongside our local skating club volunteers who will play an integral role in delivering the event, we're confident that the community will showcase Kelowna's assets to the thousands of spectators and millions of viewers world-wide,” says Jim Gabriel, Active Living & Culture Divisional Director with the City of Kelowna. “This event is first to receive funding support from the City through our Strategic Development Fund, which was established, in part, to attract and secure large scale events that will enhance our community and create a dynamic environment. We are truly looking forward to welcoming Skate Canada and the global figure skating community to our city in 2014.”
Skate Canada International is the second competition in the annual ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating® series. The other events take place in the United States (Skate America), China (Cup of China), France (Trophée Eric Bompard), Russia (Rostelecom Cup) and Japan (NHK Trophy). Skaters are awarded points based on their placements in the series' events. The top-six men and ladies and the top-six pair and ice dance teams qualify for the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final in December 2014.
Competitors for Skate Canada International, and all of the ISU Grand Prix events, will be announced following the ISU Grand Prix Commission meetings in June 2014.
Tickets are expected to be on sale in the spring of 2014.
News from © iNFOnews, 2013