victorskid
01-14-2004, 05:49 PM
January 29, 2004 will mark 100 years since the Minto Skating Club was founded by the Governor General, Lord Minto, and his wife, Lady Minto, in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. According to this article (http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/FigureSkating/2003/12/21/294130.html) it is one of the oldest clubs in Canada. The Minto Club was among the first to engage a professional instructor "to improve the standard of skating" and led the way in the formation of the Canadian Figure Skating Association (CFSA) [now known as Skate Canada].
A fascinating history of the club, Minto: Skating Through Time, was launched just before Christmas 2003. As well as the history of the club itself (and of Ottawa and its changing society), it chronicles Minto's role in the development of figure skating in Canada in the early 20th Century, and it celebrates the history of figure skating in Canada. Many of the thousands who have passed through the doors of the club, including contenders at the highest levels, have shared their stories with the author, Janet Uren. More than 230 photos from the club's earliest days through 2003 grace the 260 pages of the coffee table style book. [The book is available through the club for CDN$35 (soft cover) or CDN$50 (hard cover) plus shipping & handling - e-mail info@mintoskatingclub.com for further information.]
Gala celebrations are being planned for May 14-16, 2004. The famous alumnus and Olympic Champion, Barbara Ann Scott, will participate along with World Champion Donald Jackson, the club's current Executive Director, and many others who have been involved with Minto through the years. For those alumni who are no longer in Ottawa, it will provide an opportunity to return during the annual Tulip Festival, to renew acquaintances/friendships and share memories. A show reminiscent of the famous "Minto Follies" is part of the plans. More information will be forthcoming through the club website at www.mintoskatingclub.com
A fascinating history of the club, Minto: Skating Through Time, was launched just before Christmas 2003. As well as the history of the club itself (and of Ottawa and its changing society), it chronicles Minto's role in the development of figure skating in Canada in the early 20th Century, and it celebrates the history of figure skating in Canada. Many of the thousands who have passed through the doors of the club, including contenders at the highest levels, have shared their stories with the author, Janet Uren. More than 230 photos from the club's earliest days through 2003 grace the 260 pages of the coffee table style book. [The book is available through the club for CDN$35 (soft cover) or CDN$50 (hard cover) plus shipping & handling - e-mail info@mintoskatingclub.com for further information.]
Gala celebrations are being planned for May 14-16, 2004. The famous alumnus and Olympic Champion, Barbara Ann Scott, will participate along with World Champion Donald Jackson, the club's current Executive Director, and many others who have been involved with Minto through the years. For those alumni who are no longer in Ottawa, it will provide an opportunity to return during the annual Tulip Festival, to renew acquaintances/friendships and share memories. A show reminiscent of the famous "Minto Follies" is part of the plans. More information will be forthcoming through the club website at www.mintoskatingclub.com