Oshawa to host national figure skating championships

Oshawa has been chosen to host the 2023 Canadian Tire National Skating Championships next January.

The week-long championships will be held at the Tribute Communities Centre from January 9-15, 2023. The championships will feature the best Canadian figure skaters in men, women, pairs, ice dance, and synchronized skating disciplines, competing in two levels: junior and senior.  

For the first time, the Canadian Tire National Skating Championships will also include the nation’s best junior and senior synchronized skating teams as they compete for the national title. The synchronized skating teams previously competed at the Skate Canada Synchronized Skating Championships. To highlight all the skating disciplines in the same arena, Canada’s top synchro teams will join their fellow skating colleagues in Oshawa to vie for national titles.  

“Skate Canada is very excited to be heading to Oshawa for the 2023 Canadian Tire National Skating Championships,” said Debra Armstrong, Chief Executive Officer, Skate Canada. “The national championships have a new meaning this year as we welcome our best synchronized skating teams to the event. Fans will truly get to see the finest Canada has to offer in our five disciplines. We look forward to working with our partners in Oshawa and Durham Region to host this special event.” 

Athletes vie for spots on the Skate Canada National Team and the Canadian teams that will compete at the ISU Four Continents Figure Skating Championships, the ISU World Junior Figure Skating Championships, the ISU World Figure Skating Championships, the ISU World Synchronized Skating Championships, and the ISU World Junior Synchronized Skating Championships.  

“We are thrilled to welcome the 2023 Canadian Tire National Skating Championships to the City of Oshawa,” said Oshawa Mayor Dan Carter. “The Tribute Communities Centre in downtown Oshawa is a world-class entertainment venue and an ideal choice for this national competition. We are pleased to host this major event and great economic driver for our city. Our community looks forward to welcoming the highest level of competitive skating in Canada.”  

This will be the second time Oshawa has hosted the nationals, though the last time was more than 70 years ago in 1952. The city has a rich history in the sport, however, with Donald Jackson crowned World Champion in 1962 and Barbara Underhill, along with her partner Paul Martini, earning the same title in 1984. Underhill was also a two-time Olympian.

Most recently, in 2018, Oshawa and Durham Region hosted the Skate Canada Synchronized Skating Championships after losing a bid to host the senior nationals the previous year.  

“Durham Region is pleased to have attracted this historic Skate Canada national event after successfully hosting their 2018 Synchronized Skating Championships,” said Durham Chair John Henry. “Sport tourism is an important contributor to our local economy. Durham Region is a premier sport event destination, home to some of the GTA’s best and busiest sport complexes and venues. I’m confident our award-winning Sport Durham team, along with our capable community partners and volunteers will help to make this event memorable for all participants.” 

📢Just Announced! 
History will be made when Skate Canada’s National Skating Championships are held in Oshawa next January. For the first time, the nation’s best figure skaters in men, women, pairs, and dance will be joined by our best junior and senior synchronized skaters. pic.twitter.com/br0AOXM7WY

— Sport Durham (@Sport_Durham) April 29, 2022