Cancellation of ISU World Youth Festival

[deanna]

Does anyone have any info on why the ISU World Youth Festival scheduled to take place in Calgary, Albert, Canada from February 18-23/03 was suddenly cancelled. It was an ISU event for Novice skaters in Ladies, Men's and Dance and for Speed Skaters. Just curious. Thanks, all.

[PointBleu]

I know it was meant to be as a team event as countries had to send a contestant in each event(IRRC).

Many countries had the figure skaters but no international novice (pr whatever is that category in Speed Skating) speed skaters.
Too bad, isn't it?

I don't know if it is the reason for the cancellation of the whole event though.

[Lee]

That really unfortunate, if true (nothing as yet on the SC site, nor have I heard anything from my usual contacts) -- the people who have worked on this event put in a great deal of time and effort for well over a year, and it will be a disappointment to those skaters (both figure and speed) who were supposed to take part. I wonder if some countries were choosing to NOT send such young skaters because of the ongoing terrorism threats?

*cynic mode on* Oh, well...maybe all those people who were caterwauling about the $500,000 donation to the ISU from SC will be able to find something else to chew on. *cynic mode off*

[PointBleu]

Lee, I guess you are one of the best people on the board to keep us inform about this event...


I really don't think terrorists threats are a reason for not sending skaters... It was not even considered 1 second here...

[deanna]

Hi Lee,

I read about the cancellation on the ISU website. No press release or anything, just Cancelled written in block letters underneath the event.
I can't believe any federation would seriously consider not sending a skating delegation to Canada because of any perceived terrorist threats.

[Lee]

Originally posted by deanna
I can't believe any federation would seriously consider not sending a skating delegation to Canada because of any perceived terrorist threats. I didn't mean the threat withIN Canada -- these skaters would be coming from all over the world. I guess I'm gonna have to dig some to find out what happened -- so much work down the tubes...*sigh*...

[deanna]

Good luck Lee finding out. Be sure to let us know!

[PointBleu]

Lee,

I wasn't talking about Canada...