Event Information

The International Skating Union (ISU) has awarded the ISU World Figure Skating Championships®, 2013 to Skate Canada who will host the event in London, Ontario. This premier sporting event will be held March 11 to 17, 2013 at the Budweiser Gardens, while Western Fair Sports Centre will serve as the practice arena.

“We are honoured to once again host the ISU World Figure Skating Championships®,” said William Thompson, CEO Skate Canada. “All the components to stage an outstanding event are right here in London. The commitment and expertise of the key partners from the City of London and Tourism London have been demonstrated from previous events. We know the skating community has an experienced and dedicated group of volunteers ready to help us capture and present the unique essence of a world championships staged in Canada.  It really provides us with an opportunity to showcase our sport, and offer an unparalleled world-class event.”

The proposal to host the event was compiled by Tourism London on behalf of the City of London, and Tourism’s local hospitality partners.

“With London’s experience and strong track record in hosting international events, we  are look forward to hosting this prestigious World Championships”, says Mayor Anne  Marie DeCicco-Best. “We will definitely roll out the red carpet to welcome our guests, as the eyes of the world turn to The Forest City in 2013.” 

“We are privileged and honoured to have been chosen by Skate Canada to host the ISU World Figure Skating Championships®, 2013” said John Winston, General Manager, Tourism London. “This validates our City’s ability to compete successfully on the world stage. We know the intense international media exposure and significant economic impact generated by this event will enhance community pride and showcase London as a premier travel destination.” 
Margarett Best, Ontario’s Minister of Health Promotion said, “The McGuinty government is pleased to support communities working to attract international amateur sport events. We wish the City of London success as host of the 2013 ISU World Figure Skating Championships which will provide economic benefits and opportunities for athlete development and a tremendous inspiration to Ontarians to get active.”

The ISU World Figure Skating Championships® in 2013 will mark the 10th time a Canadian city has been selected as the host city since 1896. Calgary was the last Canadian city to host the event in 2006. More than 200 skaters from over 50 countries will compete for four World titles: Ladies, Men, Pair and Ice Dance. London will welcome this world championship figure skating event for the first time.  It hosted the highly successful ISU World Synchronized Skating Championships® in 2007.

World championships held in Canada have a strong record of success.  The 2001 ISU World Figure Skating Championships in Vancouver set record attendance figures while the 2006 event in Calgary generated over $5.6 million in legacy funds, providing economic benefit for all Skate Canada members, clubs and skating schools across the country.