OTTAWA, ON: Four-time World Champion Kurt Browning, 50, of Caroline, Alberta is making his return to the competitive landscape, as the 2017 Canadian Tire National Skating Championships Athlete Ambassador. Browning will represent his fellow athletes during the event by participating in public appearances, media interviews and in-venue fan activities.

The event will take place in Ottawa, Ontario at The Arena at TD Place from January 16-22, 2017. The championships will be the first sporting event in Ottawa’s year-long celebration of Canada’s 150th birthday.

“I am excited to be back at the national championships and proud to represent the over 250 skaters that will compete during the week-long event. Having competed at these championships several times over my career I am well aware of the training it takes to make it and the pressure they will feel when they step onto the ice,” said Browning. “I am wishing every skater the best of luck and am honoured to represent them in my role as athlete ambassador.”

As an athlete, Browning has competed at the national championships in senior eight times. He medalled at seven of his appearances, winning four golds (1993, 1991, 1990, 1989) and three silver (1994, 1988, 1987) medals.

“We are delighted to have Kurt as our athlete ambassador. He brings a passionate energy everywhere he goes and we know the fans in Ottawa are going to get to experience his vigor during the championships,” said Debra Armstrong, CEO, Skate Canada.

Browning was the first athlete ever to complete a quadruple jump in World competition, forever changing the face of men’s figure skating. His unparalleled success and style earned him legions of fans around the world and many honours, including the prestigious Order of Canada in 1989.

Browning will act as the Athlete Ambassador over the course of the seven-day championships in Ottawa.

TICKET INFORMATION

Tickets can be purchased online at TDPlace.ca, or by phone at 1-877-489-2849 or 613-232-6767 or in person at the box office at TD Place.

EVENT INFO

The pre-eminent all-Canadian sporting event will feature approximately 250 skaters in the men’s, women’s, pairs, and ice dance disciplines, competing in three levels: senior, junior, and novice. Athletes will vie for spots on the Skate Canada National Team and the Canadian teams that will compete at the 2017 ISU World Figure Skating Championships, 2017 ISU Four Continents Figure Skating Championships, and 2017 ISU World Junior Figure Skating Championships.

Ottawa hosted the very first National Skating Championships in 1914 as well as in 1922, 1925, 1929, 1935, 1940, 1949, 1953, 1958, 1987, 1996, 1999, 2006 and 2014. The 2017 event will be 15th time that Ottawa will have hosted the largest gathering of Canadian skating talent.