Windsor to host 2012 Skate Canada International

Windsor, Ontario will host the 2012 Skate Canada International. The event will take place at the WFCU Centre from October 26-28, 2012. This is the first time the city has hosted this event. Windsor will also host the 2012 Skate Canada Synchronized Skating Championships this February.

“Windsor has proven from their bid submission that they are more than capable to host a premier international event like Skate Canada International,” said William Thompson, Skate Canada CEO. “Western Ontario is a hotbed of skating with Olympic Champions Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir both representing that area. The fans are fabulous, the volunteers are enthusiastic and we are looking forward to a successful event at the WFCU Centre.”

“Being selected by Skate Canada for an international event speaks volumes for both the Windsor Family Credit Union and our region.” said Windsor Mayor Eddie Francis. “This is a chance for Windsor and the entire region to showcase itself as a lead in support of sports tourism.”

“Windsor Essex is pleased and honoured to be selected to host this prestigious event where we will welcome participants from all over the world,” said Gordon Orr, CEO of Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island. “Our region has been investing in developing our infrastructure for sports tourism and this event will strengthen our position as a premier sporting destination as we add it to the growing list of international events we have been fortunate to host.”

All-event tickets will go on sale Friday November 25th at 10:00 a.m. (ET) for $175 plus applicable surcharges. Tickets can be purchased online at www.wfcu-centre.com, by phone at 1.866.969.WFCU (9328) or in person at the WFCU box office

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 to be held in Sochi, Russia from December 6-9, 2012.

Competitors for the Skate Canada International, and all of the ISU Grand Prix events, will be announced following the ISU Grand Prix Commission meetings in June 2012.

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Skate Canada, the national governing body responsible for the development and administration of skating in Canada, is the largest figure skating association in the world. With over 4,800 registered coaches, skating programs for athletes of all ages are offered at nearly 1,300 skating clubs and schools across the country. Skate Canada is an association dedicated to providing every Canadian the opportunity to learn life skills while experiencing the power, strength and creativity of one of Canada's premier sports.

In 2011, Skate Canada produced two world champions, Patrick Chan in senior men’s and Andrei Rogozine in junior men’s. 2010 Olympic Champions Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir won the world ice dance silver medal.

“Skate Canada…teaching Canadians to skate since 1887”