Chan to have training stint in New Jersey

(06/07/2010) - Morristown, N.J. – He is not changing venues, but three-time Canadian champion and two-time world silver medalist Patrick Chan is heading east for a brief training stint in New Jersey while networking with the business community in New York City. The 19-year-old sensation is coming off a whirlwind season that included overcoming injuries, competing at a home Olympics, and applying to college.

“I am proud to have finished fifth at my first Olympics in Vancouver and win the silver medal at worlds,” Chan said. He added, “I feel terrific and am looking forward to the upcoming season.” Chan’s season begins at the William G. Mennen Sports Arena in Morristown, N.J., where he will train for a week and has agreed to guest teach a freestyle clinic to local skaters at the Morris County Park Commission, County of Morris facility.

Mennen Sports Arena’s Director of Skating, Jacqueline Kulik Palawasta, a former Canadian competitor, could not be more excited. “Patrick will inspire skaters, and this is a great kick-off to Mennen Sports Arena’s Summer Figure Skating Camp. His accomplishments at the Olympics are still fresh in everyone’s mind.” She added, “To have Patrick train here before his next competition will be rewarding for all of our skaters and to watch him will only validate what it takes to master this sport.”

Next up for Chan is the Liberty Figure Skating Competition in Aston, Pa., in July. He will unveil a new short and revamped long program with a view to ISU rule changes. Chan continues to train with Christy Krall in Colorado Springs and longtime choreographer Lori Nichol in Toronto.

With family from California to New Jersey and destinations in between, Chan is no stranger to the US. He enjoys training here and may remain for college. During his visit to N.J., Chan will interact with business professionals in New York City via his uncle, Tan Chan, who is the COO for a hi-tech company called Gabriels Technology Solutions. Chan hopes to gain insight into the world of business and determine his future course after skating.

While his focus is the 2011 World Championships in Tokyo, Chan plans to enroll in college in September 2011. “There are so many excellent universities in the US,” Chan said. He added, “Maybe I will go to Stanford and skate with Rachel Flatt!” University of Colorado near where he trains is in the mix along with a number of other top schools, including institutions in Canada.

The question on everyone’s mind is who will be at the 2014 Olympics in Sochi. Right now Chan is taking it one year at a time and leaving all options open. As for the immediate future, the Mennen Sports Arena is thrilled to have Chan visit. Jack Lipkin, a 30-year recreational skating veteran who trained at Mennen made the connection after meeting Chan at the 2009 Worlds in Los Angeles. Palawasta said, “Just to watch and enjoy the complexity involved with Patrick’s effortless movements will be breathtaking.”

Chan’s practices will be open to public spectators. For times and more information about Chan’s clinic or the Mennen Sports Arena Summer Figure Skating Camp, please call 973-326-7651 or visit www.morrisparks.net.