Patrick Chan named Athlete Ambassador for the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final® 2018-19

VANCOUVER, BC: Skate Canada is pleased to announce that ten-time Canadian champion and three-time world champion Patrick Chan will serve as the official Athlete Ambassador during the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final® 2018-19. The event takes place from December 6-9 in Vancouver, B.C., at the Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre.

“To be named Athlete Ambassador for the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final is truly a special honour,” said Chan. “This event brings back many wonderful memories for me, and it is a privilege to represent all athletes competing in Vancouver this week.”

In his eight appearances at the Grand Prix Final, Chan medalled on four occasions, including back-to-back gold medal triumphs in 2010 and 2011. Chan won his first of a record ten Canadian titles in Vancouver in 2008, and also won his 10^th in Vancouver last January.  He has captured three Olympic medals, winning silver in both the individual and team events at the Sochi Games in 2014, and gold in the team event in PyeongChang.

“We are honoured to have Patrick as our athlete ambassador for this event. Over his career he has taken part and won medals at every major skating event, as an athlete he knows what it takes to stand atop the podium,” said Debra Armstrong, CEO, Skate Canada. “Patrick has inspired Canadians and fans worldwide with his skating and this week in Vancouver we know he will leave an impact on the fans at the Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre.”

In his role of Athlete Ambassador, Chan will handle speaking engagements and media interviews, conduct appearances on behalf of competing athletes and interact with skating fans throughout the week.

Chan announced his retirement from competitive skating in April 2018. He is currently residing in Vancouver where he stays involved in the skating community through seminars and performing in skating shows across Canada.

EVENT INFO

The ISU Grand Prix Final is the concluding event of the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating circuit. The series hosts six stops: United States (Skate America), Canada (Skate Canada International), Finland (Grand Prix of Helsinki), Japan (NHK Trophy), Russia (Rostelecom Cup) and France (Internationaux de France).

Skaters are awarded points based on their placements at their assigned events and the top six in each of the four disciplines advance to the Final.

The event will also include the 2018 ISU Junior Grand Prix Final. The world’s top junior skaters also collect points to qualify, through seven events which change location yearly. The top six in men’s, ladies, pair and ice dance, based on the results of the Junior Grand Prix series, advance to the Junior Final.

In total, there will be 48 entries and 72 skaters taking part in the event in both senior and junior.