Ottawa to host national figure skating championships

City of Ottawa officials and Skate Canada announced Tuesday the Capital will host the national figure skating championships in 2014.

Thousands of figure skaters, fans and tourists will arrive in Ottawa to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the competition. This centennial location brings the championship home to where the competition first started. Ottawa hosted the first one at the Minto Skating Club in 1914.

“This cornerstone event is a welcome addition to the many world-class tournaments, events and conferences that are choosing to come to Ottawa,” said Mayor Jim Watson in a release sent out to media. “Hosting events like this one is a great way to showcase our magnificent city, while generating significant economic benefits for our local economy.”

Economic projections suggest the Canadian Tire National Figure Skating Championships will generate close to $4 million.

The event will be held at Scotiabank Place January 9 to 15, 2014. Ottawa last hosted the event in 2006.

Successful athletes will be named to represent Canada at the 2014 Olympic Winter Games in Sochi, Russia.