London, Ont., to host 2010 BMO Canadian Figure Skating Championships

(September 22, 2008 - OTTAWA, ON) – Skate Canada announced that London, Ont. will be the host city for the 2010 BMO Canadian Figure Skating Championships at a press conference today.

The event will be held from January 13-17, 2010 at the John Labatt Centre.

“Everything we need to host a first-class skating event can be found in London,” said William Thompson, Skate Canada CEO.  “They have always welcomed athletes, volunteers and fans with open arms and 2010 will be no exception.”

This is the second time that London will play host to the BMO Canadian Figure Skating Championships. The city first held the event in 2005.  London was also the site of the highly successful 2007 ISU World Synchronized Skating Championships.

“This event will be especially significant, because our athletes’ results here will be one of the most important factors in the selection of the team for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver,” continued Thompson. “People in London will have a preview of the talented skaters who will represent Canada at the 2010 Games.”

Three-time Canadian Men’s Champion and 2008 World Champion Jeff Buttle won his first Canadian title in 2005 in London as did current Canadian Women’s Champion Joannie Rochette. Valérie Marcoux and Craig Buntin won the pair discipline in 2005.  In 2010, Buntin will be competing with new partner Meagan Duhamel, looking to win back his former title.  Marie-France Dubreuil and Patrice Lauzon won the ice dance title in 2005.  2008 Canadian Champions Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir placed fourth and will be looking to win the title in front of a hometown crowd in 2010.  

“We are thrilled that London, a city with first class international hosting experience, has been chosen as the site for the 2010 BMO Canadian Figure Skating Championships,” said Shane Butcher, Vice-President, London District, BMO Bank of Montreal. “With their love of the sport and pride in local World silver medalists, Tessa and Scott, Londoners will be in for an exciting event.”

“Tourism London is proud of the partnership the City of London and the John Labatt Centre has nurtured with Skate Canada,” said Cheryl Finn, Tourism London, Manager Sport Tourism. “London boasts a strong and supportive figure skating community who will no doubt be extremely excited about today’s announcement.  We are honored to have been selected to host the 2010 BMO Canadian Figure Skating Championships and are confident that London will offer up an exciting prelude to the 2010 Olympic Winter Games right here in our own backyard.”

Approximately 150 skaters in the women’s, men’s, pair and ice dance disciplines compete at the senior and junior levels at the BMO Canadian Figure Skating Championships.  In addition to the team for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver, athletes will vie for spots on the Skate Canada National Team, the Skate Canada Junior National Team and the Canadian teams that will compete at the, the 2010 ISU World Figure Skating Championships, the ISU Four Continents Figure Skating Championships® 2010 and the ISU World Junior Figure Skating Championships.

Prices shown include a $2.00 facility fee
NOTE - TICKETS FOR THE SKATE CANADA JUNIOR NATIONALS (BEING HELD AT THE WESTERN FAIR) ARE STILL AVAILABLE AS A FOUR-EVENT PACKAGE.
SINGLE DAY TICKETS ARE NOT YET AVAILABLE FOR THE SKATE CANADA JUNIOR NATIONALS