TRURO, N.S. – Local figure skaters will receive instruction from one of the best in the world during a seminar on Saturday at the Colchester Legion Stadium.
Patrick Chan, an Olympic gold medallist and three-time world champion, will be in Truro to work with 86 of the region’s developing skaters as part of the Truro Skate With a Champion event.
“Truro Skate with a Champion gives our skaters a world-class training experience,” said Paul Morris, president of Truro Figure Skating Club, which will host the event for a third straight year. “Our numbers have been growing each year, proof that developing skaters need this kind of opportunity in their backyard.”
Chan influenced an entire generation of skaters, both in Canada and abroad. He is known for his exceptionally high-quality edge work and his charismatic nature. He dominated the sport for three years after adding a quad jump to his long list of skills.
Chan, who has won a record 10 national championships, is passionate about developing young skaters across the country.
“Developing skaters is absolutely about the skills and capacities that are measured on the ice,” said Chan. “But it’s also about developing the mental and emotional fitness. And a big part of that is making sure they know how to stay happy and in love with the sport.”
Saturday’s event features both on-ice and off-ice training sessions with Chan that focus on rounding out the athletes. The mental fitness session is being led by sports psychologist Dr. Lori Dithurbide, who is also the lead mental performance consultant at Canadian Sports Centre Atlantic.
Lisa McNutt, a former competitive skater, certified coach and yoga instructor, will lead warm-up and cool-down sessions, while a dance and choreography session hosted by former international competitive dancer, Olivia Shive, is also planned.
Truro Skate with a Champion has previously been headlined by Olympic silver medallist Elizabeth Manley, and Nam Nguyen, 2014 world junior champion and 2015 Canadian champion.
For more information, visit trurofigureskatingclub.ca.
If you go
What: Truro Skate With a Champion: Patrick Chan
When: Saturday, April 21, 7:45 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Colchester Legion Stadium, Truro
*Fans are welcome to attend the event, free of charge.
About Patrick Chan
Hometown: Toronto; currently living in Vancouver.
Age: 27
Early years: Started skating when he was five, made Olympic debut as a 19-year-old in Vancouver, finishing fifth.
Accolades:
- Three-time world champion
- Two-time Olympic silver medallist
- Olympic gold medallist, 2018 (team)
- 10-time Canadian champion
- Lou Marsh Trophy winner, Lionel Conacher Award winner
Future: Chan announced his retirement this week. His future plans include opening a skating school.
