Joey Payeur
The woman that stole the hearts of our nation more than 25 years ago while displaying her unforgettable on-ice artistry will be coming to Fort Frances to share her wisdom with the next generation of skaters.
Elizabeth Manley, who won the silver medal in ladies figure skating at the 1988 Olympic Winter Games in Calgary, will travel from her home in Ottawa to put on a two-day instructional seminar at the Ice for Kids Arena on Nov. 12-13.
“We are extremely excited to have the opportunity to bring Elizabeth to this area,” enthused Border Skating Club public relations officer Amy Wilson-Hands about the 50-year-old Great White North sports icon.
“She is Canada’s sweetheart and has been nothing but amazing in the way she has been an ambassador for the sport.”
Manley turned the skating world on its ear by surpassing co-favourites Katarina Witt of the former East Germany and Debi Thomas of the U.S. to win the long program at the Calgary Olympics and secure the silver medal.
She also went on to win the silver at the 1988 world championships before retiring from amateur skating.
Manley puts on a number of skating seminars annually and also participates in the odd ice show throughout the winter.
The first day of the seminar here will be exclusively for Border Skating Club members, while the second will be for skaters from other clubs throughout the northwestern Ontario region.
Plans are being made for Manley to hold an autograph session for the general public during her stay here.
