Kelowna to host 2019 Skate Canada International
KELOWNA, B.C.: Skate Canada announced today that Kelowna, British Columbia will host the 2019 Skate Canada International. The event will take place at Prospera Place, a 6,886-seat multi-purpose arena that is home to the Kelowna Rockets of the Western Hockey League (WHL), from October 25-27, 2019.
“We are thrilled to be heading back to Prospera Place and Kelowna for Skate Canada International,” said Debra Armstrong, CEO, Skate Canada. “Skate Canada International will welcome some of the best skaters from around the world and we are more than confident that the city of Kelowna will be a gracious host and help us create an unforgettable event.”
“We are so proud to host some of the greatest skaters from around the world and we look forward to seeing them perform on a national stage here in Kelowna,” said Mayor Colin Basran. “Kelowna’s young figure skaters 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.”
The region has nearly 200,000 residents and Kelowna is the third largest population centre in B.C. Kelowna is known for its four seasons of outdoor activities including hiking, biking, skiing, golf and lake activities and is an incredible culinary travel destination.
“Tourism Kelowna was very proud to support the bid to bring Skate Canada International back to the Central Okanagan,” said Lisanne Ballantyne, Tourism Kelowna’s President and CEO. “Televised internationally, Skate Canada is a signature event that will generate more than $3 million in new, economic impact for Kelowna. Our world-class hospitality, hotels, and attractions look forward to welcoming the athletes and the fans to our beautiful region.”
The inaugural Skate Canada International was first held in 1973 in Calgary and the event was added to the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating in 1995, the year the series began. Kelowna will host the 46th installment of Skate Canada International. This is their second time hosting the event, they previously hosted in 2014.
Skate Canada International is the second competition in the annual International Skating Union (ISU) Grand Prix of Figuring Skating series. The other events take place in the United States (Skate America), Finland (ISU Grand Prix of Helsinki), Japan (NHK Trophy), Russia (Rostelecom Cup) and France (Internationaux de France).
Each skater/team can be assigned a maximum of two events. Skaters are awarded points based on their placements at their events. The top six from each discipline (men, women, pair and ice dance) qualify for the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final.
Join our exclusive mailing list to receive event and ticket information for Skate Canada events.
Leave a Reply
Want to join the discussion?Feel free to contribute!