(November 30, 2004)

It was an afternoon that won’t soon be forgotten.

Approximately 200 Londoners came out to participate in the BMO Financial Group Community Skate with the Stars at London’s John Labatt Centre on Sunday, Nov. 28.

Six-time Canadian Champion, Jennifer Robinson, who was named the Honorary Chair for the 2005 BMO Financial Group Canadian Championships last week, was joined by current national team members Lesley Hawker and Nicholas Young, junior national team members Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir and Erin Scherrer, and 2002 Canadian Junior Ladies Champion Lauren Wilson.

BMO Financial Group CanSkate Champions medal winners crowd the kiss and cry to have their photo taken with six-time Canadian Champion Jennifer Robinson
Sitting in the kiss and cry was a popular activity		National Team member Nicholas Young with two young CanSkaters

The event, which was hosted by Q 97.5’s Midday host Catherine McCutcheon, featured a one-hour public skate. Following the public skate, all in attendance were treated to a short figure skating show starring the Canadian skating athletes. Q 97.5 also set up a live remote from the rink.

The audience was very appreciative of the exciting performances delivered by the athletes during the show.

Locals also had the opportunity to have their photographs taken with the stars, as well as get their autographs. Another well-known personality and former London Knight, Darryl Sittler, who went on to become captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs, also made a guest appearance and signed some autographs for the fans.

L-R: Scott Moir, Nicholas Young, Jennifer Robinson, Tessa Virtue, Erin Scherrer, Lesley Hawker, Lauren Wilson		Q97.5 Radio account executive Kathy Thirsk (L) and midday host Catherine McCutcheon (R) pose with Hockey Hall of Famer Darryl Sittler

All money raised from the event went to support the Skate Canada Athlete Trust Fund, which provides support through a number of grants to athletes at various stages of development and competitive levels as part of the pursuit of competitive excellence. The support aids Skate Canada’s athletes in the pursuit of their goals by providing funding for international travel, training grants and scholarships.