No fans allowed at Canada’s figure skating championships due to COVID-19 concerns

By: The Canadian Press Posted: Last Modified:

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OTTAWA - Canada's figure skating championships will have no fans in attendance as the national sports organization adapts to surging COVID-19 numbers.

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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 30/12/2021 (1739 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

OTTAWA – Canada’s figure skating championships will have no fans in attendance as the national sports organization adapts to surging COVID-19 numbers.

Skate Canada said on Thursday all purchased tickets for the event at Ottawa’s TD Place Arena for Jan. 6-13 will be refunded. This change aligns with the Ontario government’s decision to limit attendance at sporting and other event venues.

“The health and safety of all participants in the championships is of paramount importance. We understand this is disappointing for our fans and stakeholders,” said Skate Canada president Karen Butcher and CEO Debra Armstrong in a joint statement.

Alicia Pineault competes during the senior women's short program at the 2020 Canadian Tire National Skating Championships in Mississauga, Ont., on Friday, Jan. 17, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette
Alicia Pineault competes during the senior women's short program at the 2020 Canadian Tire National Skating Championships in Mississauga, Ont., on Friday, Jan. 17, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette

“However, our priority is to preserve the competitions necessary for the selection of teams for the Olympic Winter Games and ISU Championship events.”

The governing body said that the senior event will go on as planned but that gala on Jan. 9 has been cancelled.

However, the junior event will have its schedule altered and the novice event has been postponed.

Media are no longer being allowed to attend in person and, instead, will conduct interviews virtually.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 30, 2021.

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