David Dore Inducted into Skate Canada Hall of Fame
Photos by Susan D. Russell
It was an emotional evening for the 500-strong crowd who witnessed David Dore’s induction into the Skate Canada Hall of Fame on Friday night. There were moments when Dore, the former CEO of Skate Canada and a current International Skating Union Vice-President, was overcome by the tributes from skaters and colleagues.
“So much of what we have now was not normal when David started, but that is why we have a strong national team program today,” said William Thompson, the current CEO Skate Canada.
“David saw the potential in many skaters, including Barbara Underhill and Paul Martini. He saw their killer instinct, that they hated to lose,” said long-time friend Louis Stong. “He had visions about what skating in Canada could be that no one else had.”
In 2000, the International Olympic Committee presented Dore with the Olympic Order for his contribution to the sport of skating and in 2008 he was inducted into Canada’s Sport Hall of Fame.
Annabelle Langlois Joins “Battle of the Blades” Cast
Days after announcing her retirement from the competitive circuit, Anabelle Langlois became the newest edition to the CBC hit reality skating show “Battle of the Blades.” The premiere of season two is scheduled to air on Sept. 26 at 8 p.m. (EST).
“This is a new chapter in my life and I am really excited. I know I am going to miss competing but it is time for me to move on,” said 28-year-old Langlois.
“It was a really, really hard decision for me to retire,” she admitted. “Looking back, I think the short program at the Olympics this year was a major highlight in my career, just because the reception from the crowd was so incredible. And winning nationals with Cody (Hay) was something I had worked so hard for, for so long.
“But I think – and this is something no one saw – that the first throw I landed after recovering from a broken ankle was my proudest moment. That was when I knew I could make it back.”
Langlois and Hay placed ninth at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games and 10th at the subsequent World Championships.
Fedor Andreev Turns to Ice Dance
According to Russia’s online news agency, Sport Express, Jana Khoklova, the 2009 European champion with partner Sergei Novitski is teaming up with Canada’s Fedor Andreev as Russia’s newest ice dance team.
Novitski retired following the 2010 World Championships.
The agency reports that the required documentation has been completed and the duo have been named to the 2010-11 Russian national team.
Kokhlova and Andreev will be coached by both his mother Marina Zoueva and Igor Shpilband.
Olympic Summer Marketing Push
The U.S. Olympic Committee is preparing for the second year of its “America Supports Team USA” initiative, which gives Americans the opportunity to show national pride between the patriotic holidays of Memorial Day and the Fourth of July by supporting the nation’s Olympians.
The program, which runs from May 30 – July 31, is asking Americans to make donations to support the dreams of Olympic and Paralympic hopefuls.
“America Supports Team USA” will be featured at World League Volleyball matches, the Women’s National Field Hockey Championships, Wrestling’s World Team Trials, and many other high profile sporting events. Donations can also be made online on the Team USA Web site.
Several Major League Baseball teams have signed on to support the initiative and will be running targeted public service announcements at ballparks around the country this summer.
Olympians and paralympians featured in the PSAs include Evan Lysacek, Meryl Davis and Charlie White, swimmer Natalie Coughlin, short track speed skater Apolo Anton Ohno, and skier Lindsey Vonn, among others.