Kurt Browning, Elvis Stojko in Gananoque next week
January 21, 2025
It’s time to lace up your skates, because Gananoque is about to host two of Canada’s most legendary figure skating icons.
On Jan. 29, the Gananoque Skating Club invites the community to a Meet and Greet with world champions Kurt Browning and Elvis Stojko.
From 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., the duo will glide upstairs at the Lou Jeffries, Gananoque and TLTI Recreation Centre (600 King Street) to meet fans, share stories, and spread their love for skating - all free of charge.
As part of Stojko’s and Browning’s journey into Gananoque, they will also be hosting seminars for skaters at the arena on Jan. 30 and Jan. 31.
“They’ll be learning from them, and then the meet and greet is something separate we’ve been able to do,” said Amanda Trafford, the town’s economic development and communications officer.
“This is super exciting.”
Skaters registered for the seminars months ago, added Trafford, who mentioned there are skaters from as far as Nunavut expected to be taking in this experience.
“We’ve got skaters coming from all over Canada,” said Trafford.
This three-day event is partially funded by the Municipal Accommodation Tax, approved by the Tourism Advisory Panel, and is the brainchild of Sharon Nixon, a coach with the Gananoque Skating Club, who also has her own skating club in Kingston.
Browning isn’t just a figure skater, he’s regarded as a pioneer. Known for landing the first-ever quadruple jump in competition, he’s a four-time world champion and Canadian national champion.
Browning hosted a one-day seminar in Gananoque last year. That generated buzz within the community and beyond, Trafford said, and helped lead to an extended stay this time around, with more seminars, and a meet-and-greet, along with his good friend Stojko.
“I had posted a couple of photos on the town’s Facebook page about him (being in Gananoque) and teaching, and it was by far the most liked and commented on set of pictures that we’ve shared,” said Trafford.
Stojko’s explosive jumps and artistry redefined figure skating. He’s a three-time world champion, two-time Olympic silver medallist, and seven-time Canadian champion.
“People are so excited about this.” said Trafford. “I figure skated as a kid, so these two are people I’ve watched my whole life skate. To be able to have them in our little town of 5,400 is pretty incredible.”
Keith Dempsey is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter who works out of the Brockville Recorder and Times. The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.