(August 18, 2006)

Former national pair champion and Olympic silver medallist Debbi Wilkes joins Skate Canada’s staff as Director of Marketing and Sponsorship.

Inducted into the Skate Canada Hall of Fame in 2001, Wilkes will be based in Toronto and responsible for working with and servicing Skate Canada corporate partners to maximize dialogue between existing and new partners. She will also facilitate the renewed interest in the sport to foster its growth and enhance the image of our sport organization through her existing relationships.

“Skate Canada is ecstatic to have Debbi as part of our team,” said William Thompson, Acting CEO of Skate Canada. “Debbi brings with her such a wealth of experience and expertise from so many areas in the sport of figure skating. From her work at CTV/TSN, to her role as a team leader, to her knowledge as a technical specialist and, of course, her experience as an elite athlete, Debbi is a tremendous asset to our organization. She is universally respected throughout the figure skating community.”

Wilkes, of Unionville, Ont., teamed up with pair partner Guy Revell in 1958. The duo was crowned the Canadian Junior Pair Champions in 1959. Wilkes and Revell went on to become the Canadian Pair Champions in both 1963 and 1964. The highlight of their skating careers came when they captured the silver medal at the 1964 Olympic Winter Games and the bronze medal at the 1964 world championships.