Skate America returns to Lake Placid
CHRISTIE SAUSA, Special to the News
LAKE PLACID — In 1979, the first Skate America, then called the Norton Skate/Flaming Leaves Festival, was held in Lake Placid. Before the Miracle on Ice made the 1980 Herb Brooks arena hallowed ice, figure skaters strived to represent their country well at the first Skate America.
Now celebrating its 30th anniversary, the high-profile skating event will take place through Nov. 15 and feature some of the best skaters in the world.
At first, the competition was a one-time event to test the new facilities at the Olympic Center in preparation for the 1980 Olympics, but it was such a success that it was implemented as an annual event. Now Skate America is one of six ISU Grand Prix events that allow American skaters to compete against international athletes — and in an Olympic year, these Grand Prix events are even more pivotal. This year marks the return of Skate America to Lake Placid — it was last held here in 1982.
An impressive lineup of skaters has arrived in Lake Placid for the show, which will be broadcast nationally by NBC Sports. Although many fans were looking forward to seeing Sasha Cohen skate at the event, she withdrew from the competition on Monday, citing an injury, and will be replaced by fellow 2006 Olympian Emily Hughes. Among the ladies who will join Hughes on the ice are rising stars Rachael Flatt and Alexe Gilles.
In the men’s competition, the reigning World Champion Evan Lysacek will compete with fellow countrymen Brandon Mroz and Ryan Bradley.
Skating pairs will include 2008 U.S. National Champions Keana McLaughlin and Rockne Brubaker, 2007 U.S. Champions Brooke Castile and Ben Okolski, and top-five National finishers Amanda Evora and Mark Ladwig. Rounding out the events in ice dance are world silver medalists Tanith Belbin and Benjamin Agosto, 2008 U.S. bronze medalists Kimberly Navarro and Brent Bommentre, and 2009 World Junior champions Madison Chock and Greg Zuerlein.
Skate America will boast a total of 60 athletes (12 ladies, 12 men, 10 dance teams and eight pair teams) from 15 nations.
The event arrives at a great time for Lake Placid; the fall foliage season has ended and the winter season is about to begin. With the absence of Stars on Ice this Thanksgiving, Skate America fills the November time slot for figure skating in the Olympic Village. It will also have an impact on the local economy.
“The time of year is perfect for this type of event, since it is normally a quiet season,” said Jim McKenna, president of the Lake Placid/Essex County Visitor’s Bureau. “We estimate that there will be about 5,000 people in Lake Placid because of the event. There are not only immediate economic effects, but we will also gain international media attention for Lake Placid and the Adirondack region.”
The ladies segment of the skates are especially popular, according to an employee at the Olymic Center, and are slated for Saturday, Nov. 14 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 15 at 3 p.m.
Having had their share of international competitions, a representative from the Olympic Regional Development Authority, said the agency is looking forward to the upcoming event.
“We are very excited and busy — it is a little hectic here, and anticipation is running high,” said Mary Elizabeth Wightman, ORDA marketing manager.
For information about tickets, call 518-523-3330 or visit www.skateamerica2009.com.
POSTED: November 12, 2009
Photos
Now celebrating its 30th anniversary, the high-profile skating event will take place through Nov. 15 and feature some of the best skaters in the world.
At first, the competition was a one-time event to test the new facilities at the Olympic Center in preparation for the 1980 Olympics, but it was such a success that it was implemented as an annual event. Now Skate America is one of six ISU Grand Prix events that allow American skaters to compete against international athletes — and in an Olympic year, these Grand Prix events are even more pivotal. This year marks the return of Skate America to Lake Placid — it was last held here in 1982.
An impressive lineup of skaters has arrived in Lake Placid for the show, which will be broadcast nationally by NBC Sports. Although many fans were looking forward to seeing Sasha Cohen skate at the event, she withdrew from the competition on Monday, citing an injury, and will be replaced by fellow 2006 Olympian Emily Hughes. Among the ladies who will join Hughes on the ice are rising stars Rachael Flatt and Alexe Gilles.
In the men’s competition, the reigning World Champion Evan Lysacek will compete with fellow countrymen Brandon Mroz and Ryan Bradley.
Skating pairs will include 2008 U.S. National Champions Keana McLaughlin and Rockne Brubaker, 2007 U.S. Champions Brooke Castile and Ben Okolski, and top-five National finishers Amanda Evora and Mark Ladwig. Rounding out the events in ice dance are world silver medalists Tanith Belbin and Benjamin Agosto, 2008 U.S. bronze medalists Kimberly Navarro and Brent Bommentre, and 2009 World Junior champions Madison Chock and Greg Zuerlein.
Skate America will boast a total of 60 athletes (12 ladies, 12 men, 10 dance teams and eight pair teams) from 15 nations.
The event arrives at a great time for Lake Placid; the fall foliage season has ended and the winter season is about to begin. With the absence of Stars on Ice this Thanksgiving, Skate America fills the November time slot for figure skating in the Olympic Village. It will also have an impact on the local economy.
“The time of year is perfect for this type of event, since it is normally a quiet season,” said Jim McKenna, president of the Lake Placid/Essex County Visitor’s Bureau. “We estimate that there will be about 5,000 people in Lake Placid because of the event. There are not only immediate economic effects, but we will also gain international media attention for Lake Placid and the Adirondack region.”
The ladies segment of the skates are especially popular, according to an employee at the Olymic Center, and are slated for Saturday, Nov. 14 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 15 at 3 p.m.
Having had their share of international competitions, a representative from the Olympic Regional Development Authority, said the agency is looking forward to the upcoming event.
“We are very excited and busy — it is a little hectic here, and anticipation is running high,” said Mary Elizabeth Wightman, ORDA marketing manager.
For information about tickets, call 518-523-3330 or visit www.skateamerica2009.com.
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