(June 25, 2007)

Skate Canada was well-represented at the 2007 Pride and Remembrance Run, which took place June 23 in Toronto.

Close to 1000 runners took part in this year’s event, including Skate Canada CEO William Thompson and Skate Canada Director of High Performance Mike Slipchuk who ran the 5km route as part of two-time Olympic silver medallist Brian Orser’s Silver’s Bullets team. Debbi Wilkes, Skate Canada Director of Sponsorship and Marketing, and Petra Burka, Skate Canada National Coach Consultant, participated in the 3km walk.

Skate Canada national team members Christopher Mabee and Joey Russell were also members of the Silver’s Bullets team and reached impressive times finishing 19th and 11th respectively in the Men 25 and under category.

Silver’s Bullets team was also extremely successful off the track raising $40,000. “We raised twice more than what our goal was! It was an awesome day,” said Brian Orser.

Skate Canada’s national sponsor BMO Financial Group was also involved with this event as the platinum sponsor of the 12th Annual Pride and Remembrance Run.

Beneficiaries of the 2007 Pride and Remembrance Run were the Toronto People With AIDS Foundation and the Triangle Program of the Toronto District School Board.

Skate Canada CEO William Thompson runs the 5km	Petra Burka encourages other members of her team	Skate Canada Director of Sponsorship and Marketing Debbi Wilkes and BMO Director of Skating Programs and Sponsorships Kelly Alguire walk the 3km

Silver’s Bullets Petra Burka, William Thompson and Debbi Wilkes	Silver’s Bullets Petra Burka and Brian Orser

The 2007 Silver’s Bullets team

Photos: Susan D. Russell - International Figure Skating