(June 2, 2010) – The 2010 Skate Canada Annual Convention and General Meeting (ACGM) and National Coaches’ Conference (NCC) wrapped up over the weekend in Toronto after four days of celebrations, workshops and business meetings. The theme of this year’s ACGM and NCC was Embracing Evolution, which will set the tone for the upcoming season.  

A major part of the weekend was the 2010 Skate Canada Achievement Awards Gala and Banquet on May 28. The gala recognized Skate Canada volunteers, coaches, officials and skaters for their ongoing contribution to figure skating. Several members of Skate Canada’s national team assisted with the award presentations.  Former Skate Canada Director General and current ISU Vice President David Dore was also inducted into the Skate Canada Hall of Fame during this special evening.

On the business side, some major decisions were made going forward that will help to evolve figure skating in Canada. Make sure you stay tuned for those announcements.

Skate Canada national sponsors also participated in the events. Sony was there for the awards gala on Friday night and offered souvenir pictures to all attendees for the evening. Title sponsor BMO presented the CanSkater of the Year Award with a $500 bursary and Artistry presented the winners of the Competitive and Recreational Coach Awards of Excellence with an Artistry basket full of goodies!

The National Coaches’ Conference (NCC) was held in conjunction with the ACGM with over 250 coaches from across the country participating in workshops and on-ice sessions with Olympic and world caliber coaches including Manon Perron, Doug Leigh, Joanne McLeod and Richard Gauthier. For the third year in a row the Best of the Best CanSkate Coach program was in full effect with sessions taking place from May 26-28.

Enjoy some photos from the ACGM and NCC.

David Dore addresses the crowd after being inducted into the Skate Canada Hall of Fame.	The Best of the Best CanSkate Coach program lineup for a photo!
Karen Nevin accepts her Skate Canada Volunteer Award of Excellence award from Jessica Dubé and Bryce Davidson.	Janice Jackson smiles with Patrick Chan after taking home the Skate Canada Volunteer Award of Excellence.
Paulette Auffrey shares the spotlight with Olympic Champions Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir.	France Bisson accepts her Skate Canada Volunteer Award of Excellence award from Jessica Dubé and Bryce Davidson.
Gordon Markham poses with NEXXICE captain Jennifer Beauchamp.	Patrick Chan hands Anne Reedie her award for excellence.
Western Ontario’s Ursula Del Bel Belluz receives her award from fellow Western Ontario Section members Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir.	Gail Turgeon from the North Ontario Sections accepts her award Jessica Dubé and Bryce Davidson.
Debbie Rodger picks up her award from Canadian Champ Patrick Chan.	Jennifer Beauchamp presents Anita Kohnen with her award.
Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir hand out another Skate Canada Volunteer Award of Excellence award this time to British Columbia/Yukon Section’s Diane Nielsen.	BMO CanSkater of the Year Matthew Chislett receives his award from Patrick Chan and BMO representative Kelly Alguire.
Jennifer Beauchamp presents the Elizabeth Swan Memorial Award to Susan Morriss.	Skate Canada Officials Award of Excellence winner Susanne Morgan receives her award from Patrick Chan.
Carolyn Cameron receives the Skate Canada Club and Recreational Coach Award of Excellence presented by Artistry from Artistry’s Nathalie Obregon.	Skate Canada Competitive Coach Award of Excellence presented by Artistry winner Mannon Perron receives her award from Artistry’s Carmela Ianni.
Gail Weber accepts the Billie Mitchell Award from Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir.

*Wendy Fraser was the Skate Canada Volunteer Award of Excellence award winner from the Prince Edward Island Section but was unable to attend the event.