World skating contest returning to Kelowna
City expected to receive $3M boost when it plays host to Skate Canada International event a year from now
Some of the best figure skaters in the world will come to Kelowna next year. Skate Canada International will be presented Oct. 25-27, 2019, at Prospera Place.
The Grand Prix of Figure Skating’s Canadian competition was held once before in Kelowna, in 2014.
“We are thrilled to be heading back to Prospera Place and Kelowna,” said Debra Armstrong, chief executive officer of Skate Canada.
“Skate Canada International will welcome some of the best skaters from around the world, and we are more than confident the city of Kelowna will be a gracious host and help us create an unforgettable event.”
This year’s version of Skate Canada is now underway in Laval, Que., and features renowned figure skaters such as Olympic silver medallists Shoma Uno of Japan and Evgenia Medvedeva.
Also competing are the world pairs bronze medallists from France, Vanessa James and Morgan Cipres. Top Canadian skaters are also in Laval, including Kirsten MooreTowers and Michael Marinaro.
American champions and world silver medallists Madison Hubbell and Zachary Donohue are also in Laval.
Aside from providing a showcase for some of the world’s best figure skaters, next year’s competition in Kelowna will be worth about $3 million in terms of its economic impact, says Lisanne Ballantyne of Tourism Kelowna.
“Our world-class hospitality, hotels and attractions look forward to welcoming the athletes and the fans to our beautiful region,” she said.
The City of Kelowna, through a $50,000 event development fund, will contribute $25,000 toward the hosting of the event. Council approved the expense earlier this year when the bid was being prepared.
The first Skate Canada International was held in Calgary in 1973, and the event was added to the Grand Prix of Figure Skating in 1995. Other Grand Prix events take place in the United States, Finland, Russia, France and Japan.
Kelowna Mayor Colin Basran says next year’s event will be “inspired by the elite international talent on display, and our whole community will be energized by the experience of hosting this major sporting event for the second time in five years.”