News

Calgary to host 2009 BMO Skate Canada Junior Nationals

(May 23, 2008) – Skate Canada announced today that Calgary, Alta., will host the 2009 BMO Skate Canada Junior Nationals. The event will take place from Feb. 11-14, 2009 at the Max Bell Centre.

“Skate Canada is happy to bring the 2009 BMO Skate Canada Junior Nationals to Calgary. Calgary has always welcomed skating events and we look forward to returning for another great competition,”said Skate Canada CEO William Thompson. “This event is important for athletes and skating fans. It introduces younger skaters to competition on a national level and prepares them for the future and at the same time gives Canadians the chance to see the rising talent we have in this country.”

This is the first time that Calgary will host the BMO Skate Canada Junior Nationals, although Calgary is no stranger to welcoming figure skating events. Most recently the city hosted the 2007 HomeSense STARSkate Championships, the 2006 ISU World Figure Skating Championships and the 2000 BMO Canadian Championships.

“BMO Financial Group is proud to support Canada’s future figure skating stars through our title sponsorship of the BMO Skate Canada Junior Nationals over the past thirteen years,” said Sandy Bourne, Vice-President, Advertising, Sponsorships, Corporate Events and Merchandising, BMO Financial Group. “We are looking forward to bringing this important developmental event to Calgary."

“Our community is thrilled to be hosting this national event in our recently expanded Max Bell Arena,” said Kurt Hanson, Director of Recreation for The City of Calgary. “Attracting high-calibre athletic events such as this to Calgary is part of the strategy within our Civic Sport Policy. These events are a boost for the local economy as well as our sport community. In turn, we're confident that Calgarians will make this a memorable event for all the athletes and their coaches and parents.”

The 2009 BMO Skate Canada Junior Nationals will bring approximately 250 skaters to the city all of whom will be competing for national titles at the juvenile, pre-novice and novice levels in the men’s, women’s, pair and ice dance disciplines. Skaters qualify for this event through one of the 13 BMO Skate Canada Sectionals or through the 2009 BMO Skate Canada Western and Eastern Challenge.