(January 25, 2006)

Three successful Ottawa figure skaters were honoured at the 2006 Ottawa Sports Awards.

Don Jackson and the ice dance team of Siobhan Karam and Joshua McGrath were recognized at the awards ceremony, which was held Jan. 24 at Ottawa’s Algonquin College.

Jackson, a four-time Canadian Champion and 1962 world champion, was awarded the Mayor’s Cup for outstanding contribution to sport. Jackson, also the 1960 Olympic bronze medallist, is still involved with the sport, acting as the executive director of skating at Ottawa’s Minto Skating Club. Jackson, who has been coaching for over 40 years, was inducted into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame in 1962 and was made a member of the Order of Canada in 1997.

Karam and McGrath were recognized in the individual sports (figure skating) category. The duo is coming off a seventh-place finish in the senior ice dance event at the 2006 BMO Financial Group Canadian Championships in front of a hometown crowd at the Ottawa Civic Centre. Karam and McGrath, who were both born in Ottawa, were crowned the Canadian Junior Ice Dance Champions at the 2005 national championships. They also made their debut on the International Skating Union’s Grand Prix circuit this season.

Skate Canada congratulates Jackson, Karam and McGrath on their recognitions.