Carolyn MacCuish and Tyler Morris competed in the dance event, scoring 90.61 points and finishing in eighth.

See the ISU website for full event results.

Athlete Selection Criteria & Appeals Template

This program has been developed in cooperation with the CSCO and under the direction of Skate Canada, with the intention of establishing a clear developmental pathway from Provincial programming to the National Team.

As an integral component to the success of this program, Skate Ontario is also pleased to announce that Louis Stong will be assuming the role of Technical Coordinator, working with the identified skaters and their coaches in developing individual training plans and monitoring their progress throughout the year.  Mr. Stong is a World and Olympic coach whose career has spanned over 40 years and includes a strong association with Skate Canada in various capacities including that of consultant. He has also been a committee member and facilitator with the National Coach Certification Program (NCCP); and, has enjoyed an involvement with the International Skating Union (ISU) including as a director of the pair development camp and pair judges’ seminar.

An important element of each training plan will be a focus on providing integrated support services which will be made available through the CSCO.  The CSCO is committed to the pursuit of excellence by delivering programs and services to high performance athletes and coaches that enhance their ability to achieve international podium performances.

Skate Ontario would like to thank Mike Slipchuk, Skate Canada High Performance Director for his support; as well as the Canadian Sport Centre, Ontario for providing the funds and incentive for this initiative.

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Though they had been announced as honourees in the Hall of Fame in 2008, several other Ontarians were recently honoured with official induction ceremonies.  At the 2010 Canadian Figure Skating Championships, Marijane Stong and Donald Knight were honoured. The 2010 Skate Canada Annual Convention and General Meeting featured a ceremony for David Dore.

Sandra Bezic, 54, of Toronto, Ontario will enter the Skate Canada Hall of Fame as a professional for her work as a choreographer. Bezic is a five-time Canadian Pair Champion with her brother Val Bezic,  and represented Canada at the 1972 Olympic Winter Games, placing ninth. She began her skating career as an athlete but then transitioned into a choreographer. Bezic is best known for choreographing such winning programs as, Barbara Underhill and Paul Martini (1984 Worlds), Brian Boitano (1988 Winter Olympics), Kristi Yamaguchi (1992 Winter Olympics), Kurt Browning (1993 Worlds), and Tara Lipinski (1998 Winter Olympics). In 2003 Bezic won an Emmy for her Stars on Ice choreography. Bezic also wrote a book, The Passion to Skate, and has provided colour commentary for both NBC and CBC. Most recently, as co-creator and a producer of the hit CBC series Battle of the Blades,she introduced a whole new audience to the sport she loves.

William Ostapchuk, 77, of Toronto, Ontario will enter the Hall of Fame as a builder for his work to develop figure skating in Canada. A former President and Vice-President of Skate Canada, Ostapchuk helped move skating forward in Canada. Ostapchuk is a Certified Management Accountant in his professional life and served as a volunteer Chief Accountant for various figure skating events including the 1978 ISU World Figure Skating Championships, six Canadian Championships, five Skate Canada International events and numerous divisional, sectional and club competitions. In 1982 he was appointed a member of the Marketing Committee and the Athlete Trust.  In 1986 he was appointed VP Administration and Chair of the Marketing and Communications Committee. During his time he recommended that the title sponsors’ names be attached to both the Canadian Championships and Skate Canada International to make sponsorship more attractive and increase value. He oversaw the marketing and sponsorship revenue increase from about $200,000 in 1984 to approximately one million in 1988. In 1991 the Hall of Fame Trust was formed and he became the first chair.  He now lives with his wife Josephine in Lakefield, Ontario.

Bill Dowding, 89 and Wilf Langevin, 70 are to be inducted together in the builder category for their work as a music technician and announcer at figure skating competitions. Dowding was the official music technician for Skate Canada from 1968-1999. He also used his skills as a music technician at various world championships and the 1988 Olympics. Langevin acted as the official Skate Canada announcer at skating events from 1966-1999. He was the highly recognizable voice of figure skating at the Canadian Championships during that time.

Wendy Griner, 66, of Toronto, Ontario will enter the Hall of Fame in the athlete category. Griner was Canadian Champion from 1960-1963 and a world silver medalist in 1962. She represented Canada twice at the Olympic Winter Games, first in 1960 and once again in 1964, placing 12th and 10th respectively. Known as a staunch competitor by those who competed against her, she dominated the Canadian ladies field until she retired in 1964. In 1967 she married Dr. Don Ballantyne and settled in Thunder Bay, Ontario. The couple have two sons and one daughter.

George Meagher was a figure skating pioneer in Canada.  He was born in 1866 in Kingston, Ontario and will enter the Hall of Fame in the athlete category. Meagher is best known for both his talent on the ice and for the co-founding of the Minto Skating Club in Ottawa, Ontario. Meagher won the Amateur Championships of the World in 1891 and in 1898 won the Professional Championships of the World. Meagher also published several books; his best known titles are Figure and Fancy Skating (1895) and Lessons in Skating, published in 1900. Meagher is also credited for introducing ice hockey to Europe in 1894 while on a figure skating trip to Paris. He passed away in 1930 at the age of 63 at his home in Montreal, Quebec.

The exact date and locations of the induction ceremonies for Sandra, William, Wendy and George will be announced at a later date.

David Dore was honoured in the builder category with a ceremony at this year’s Annual Convention and General Meeting.

As the youngest President of the Canadian Figure Skating Association, David brought energy, enthusiasm and a passion for excellence to the role. He carried those attributes through his eighteen years as Director General. His experience as a national medalist, world and Olympic judge, and involvement at the club and section level, combined with his background in ice show direction and production provided the broad range of experience that allowed him to excel as the association’s leader.

He revamped the association into a strong, vibrant, forward-thinking organization. During his tenure he developed the National Team program, created the Athlete Trust, developed successful marketing and television concepts and staged three highly successful ISU World Figure Skating Championships. Under his leadership, Canadian skaters won more Olympic and world medals than during any other time.

He is one of the most decorated administrators and volunteers in Canadian sport, and was inducted into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame in 2008. In 2002, he received the International Olympic Committee’s highest honour, the Olympic Order, for his contribution to sport in the global community. He continues to serve the sport he loves as the first Canadian to ever be elected to the office of Vice President, International Skating Union.

Marijane Stong was officially inducted into the professional category with a ceremony at the 2010 Canadian Figure Skating Championships.

Blending innovative choreography with stirring music and vivid costumes to create a complete skating package were the hallmarks of Marijane Stong’s long career as a coach, choreographer and costume designer. She pioneered the use of vocal music in a free dance, and role reversal in her choreography became a trademark. The first female coach in Canada to become NCCP Level 4 Certified, she created the concept of packaging programs with music, choreography and costumes all working together seamlessly.

Six times Marijane attended an Olympic Winter Games as a coach of both ice dance and pair teams. Her highlight came in 1988 when her Canadian ice dance champions, Tracy Wilson and Rob McCall, won the Olympic bronze medal in Calgary. As always, Marijane found the perfect music, complemented it with ground-breaking choreography and innovative costumes to present a program that continues to be a benchmark for ice dancing.

Serving as Skate Canada’s National Coach Consultant since 1999, Marijane continues to influence the current generation of skaters. She works with skaters and coaches to complement their skating programs with the ideal skating costumes and music.

Donald Knight was inducted as an athlete with an official ceremony at the 2010 Canadian Figure Skating Championships.

Although he retired from amateur skating at the young age of 19, Donald Knight left his mark on the sport during the 1960s. In 1961, he became the Canadian Junior Champion when he was just 13 years old. For the next six years he finished on the podium at the senior Canadian championships, placing 3^rd in 1962, second in 1963 and 1964 and was crowned champion for three straight years, 1965-1967.

A master of the compulsory figures, the native of Dundas, Ontario’s legendary work ethic enabled him to become an all-round skater, incorporating powerful jumps, spins and intricate footwork into his programs. He represented Canada internationally with distinction as well, capturing the 1967 North American Figure Skating Championships title. His first of five appearances at the ISU World Figure Skating Championships, came when he was just 15. In 1965, he finished 3^rd and earned a bronze medal for Canada. At the 1964 Olympic Winter Games, he placed ninth.

Regarded as one of the skating world’s most passionate ambassadors, Donald’s later career included touring professionally with Holiday on Ice and Ice Capades. A true gentleman, he continues to inspire young skaters today with his enthusiasm and passion for the sport as a coach with the Burlington Skating Centre.

At the 2010 Skate Ontario Annual and Planning Meeting the following decisions were approved affecting the categories to be skated at this season’s Skate Ontario events:

Respectfully submitted by

Jim Stevens, Skate Ontario Events Committee Chair

June 2010

(Also posted, in PDF format, at http://www.skateontario.org/events/)

Eric, who coaches at the Minto Skating Club in Ottawa, is only the second coach in Ontario and third in Canada to have achieved this remarkable standard of coaching excellence.  The first was Doug Leigh of the Mariposa School of Skating in Barrie.

All figure skating coaches at Skate Canada clubs must be certified through NCCP, which ensures all skaters receive a certain standard of instruction.  A higher level of NCCP certification indicates a coach has reached a higher level of professional development through courses, assignments and practical experience.  Level 5 is the highest possible NCCP level and represents an exemplary dedication to coaching.

To learn more about NCCP and the Coaching Association of Canada, visit their website at www.coach.ca

To learn more about becoming a Skate Canada Certified Coach, visit Skate Canada’s website.

For further information on Eric, see his profile at the Minto Skating Club.

This year’s camp will be held July 2nd to 4th at RIM Park in Waterloo, Ontario.  The main on-ice coaches are Jeffrey Buttle for singles, Marie-France Dubreuil & Patrice Lauzon for dance, and Doug Ladret for pairs.

Information for Participants:

Please download the following documents:

• Groups (Updated June 22nd.)
• Schedule (Updated June 22nd. Subject to change)
• Fitness Testing Forms and Waiver

Registration

Registration for the PTC will begin at 1pm on Friday, July 2nd.

Fitness Testing

1. Please review and complete the fitness testing forms and waiver (for those athletes who participated at the Canada Winter Games Prospect Camp in January (2010) you only need to sign the waiver).
2. Please bring these forms to registration on July 2nd.
3. Please bring appropriate clothing and footwear for the fitness testing.
4. Please bring your own water bottle.

Directions:

The PTC will take place at RIM Park in Waterloo at 2001 University Avenue East. Get directions from Google Maps.

Meals:
As a reminder, Skate Ontario will provide the following meals during the seminar:

• Friday evening dinner
• Saturday lunch
• Sunday lunch

Lodging:

A block of rooms has been set aside at the Best Western St. Jacobs Country Inn in Waterloo (519 884 9295). If you require a room and have not already done so, please call to make your reservation as soon as possible (be sure to ask for the Skate Ontario rate).

That’s all for now. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me at grcafortin@gmail.com. Any changes in the schedule or other aspects of the seminar will be communicated over the next month.

Best regards,

Glenn Fortin
Skate Ontario, Skating Programs Committee Chairman

Skate Ontario would like to congratulate Susanne Morgan, retiring Chair of Skate Canada-Central Ontario, on having received the 2010 Skate Canada Officials Award of Excellence. Susanne is an outstanding volunteer who as a volunteer has shared her skills, experience and expertise at the club, Section, and National levels. She has also served as an effective member of the Board of Directors of Skate Ontario, most recently in the role of Treasurer.  Susanne will continue with her active commitment as an official and will continue to be a valued resource for Skate Ontario.

Congratulations are also extended to the Ontario winners of the 2010 Skate Canada Volunteer Award of Excellence: Gail Turgeon (Northern Ontario), Ursula Del Bel Belluz (Western Ontario), Anne Reedie (Central Ontario), and Gordon Markham (Eastern Ontario).

Our sport could not continue without the selfless dedication of volunteers like Susanne, Gail, Ursula, Anne, Gordon and the thousands of others who work so hard all across our province.  Thank you!

Skate Ontario and Skate Canada – Central Ontario are proud to announce a program components seminar for coaches and judges.  This event takes place July 23rd and 24th at the BMO Institute for Learning in Toronto.

Registration due by Friday, July 9th:
Registration Form Early bird special available if you register by June 11th!

Schedule:
Outline

The evening provided a wonderful celebration of sport in Ontario. The many contributions of coaches, volunteers, sponsors as well as the amazing accomplishments of the athletes were acknowledged. Skate Ontario is thrilled to have the achievements of its nominees acknowledged in this manner.

Skate Ontario would like to congratulate the following:

Patrick Chan – Ontario Male Athlete of 2009!

Patrick was the 2009 Canadian and Four Continents Champion as well as World Silver medalist!

Patrick was not available and in his absence the award was accepted by his Father, Lewis Chan.

NEXXICE, 2009 Ontario Team of the Year!

NEXXICE Synchronized Skating Team, coached by Shelley Barnett was the 2009 World Synchronized Skating Champions as well as the 2009 Canadian defending Champions.

HomeSense was acknowledged with a Corporate Citation for its significant and greatly appreciated sponsorship of Skate Ontario over the last four years.

Ross Phelps: Skate Ontario was very pleased to have named Ross as our sport’s nominee for Syl Apps Special (volunteer) Achievement Award.

Ross has volunteered in the sport of figure skating for over 40 years, serving in several capacities primarily in the area of music production, at the club, Section, Provincial, National and World levels. He has participated as a music event technician at both the 1988 and 2010 Olympic Games, as well as several Ontario Winter Games, numerous Canadian Championships and International Skating Union events held in Canada. Ross, who has demonstrated a life -long passion for volunteering has served as the President of the Weston Skating Club as well as the Chairman of the Skate Canada-Central Ontario Music and Announcing Team. He has been a valuable and well- respected resource for Skate Ontario as well as for Skate Canada.  He is passionate about the sport of figure skating and yet very unassuming; always recognizing the importance of music and sound quality at events and in the development of programs and performances of the skaters. Ross cherishes his grass roots affiliations and is admired across Canada for his quiet, tireless dedication to the sport.

Shelley Barnett, coach of NEXXICE was a finalist (top three) in the Female Coach of the Year category. Shelley successful coached NEXXICE to National and World titles in 2009, and has received the Petro Canada Coach Excellence Awards for the past three years.