Champs International Skating Centre
Champs International Skating Centre of BC is one of the premier figure skating training facilities in North America. Located in the heart of Greater Vancouver at Canlan Ice Sports - Scotia Barn, Champs offers figure skaters the opportunity to train under a successfully proven formula within a world class environment under the direction of World & Olympic Coach, Joanne McLeod. The Champs formula is unique in the country as it encompasses team coaching, performance-based bio-mechanic principles, and sport science integrated within a schedule for sport and education.
Champs International Skating Centre of BC is a multi-discipline training centre which includes competitive Elite singles and Ice Dance teams, grass roots children programs such as Learn To Skate, Happy Feet, and Jr Academy. Our Champs programs offers off-ice classes integrated with all on-ice sessions. Adult skating, synchronized skating and many open sessions are also available to guests.
Champs provides skaters with all the right tools to develop their skills in a state-of-the-art facility. The heated NHL sized ice surface, measuring 200 x 85, encompasses an updated Bose sound system, dedicated coaches room, on-site administration office, all complimented by a beautiful oil acrylic painting (“Sumachuk” by Ken Kirkby) bringing the richness of an artistic aura to the training environment.
Just steps away is the Performance Institute fitness facility where exercise physiologist Steve Ramsbottom provides quality strength and conditioning programs and personal training specifically designed for figure skating development. Spectators are also given an overhead view of the action through the heated and comfortable viewing area located at the south end of the rink.
Champs welcomes athletes from Canada and around the World to come and train with us! Daily or weekly accommodation can be found just steps from us at the neighboring Fortius Sport & Health facility or a short drive away at Simon Fraser University in Burnaby. The facility is easily accessible via local bus and skytrain routes connecting from Greater Vancouver and Burnaby schools. We accept skaters for summer training (in coordinance with current head coach).
JOANNE MCLEOD, SKATING DIRECTOR
Joanne McLeod’s coaching accolades are among the best in the world. In Canada, she has made National Champions from Juvenile to Senior in both Women’s and Men's events. Internationally, she has coached ISU Champions and has been an 18-time World Team Coach. She was a member of the 2002, 2006, & 2014 Winter Olympic Team. Her experience is in her credits in that she has a constant ability to produce champions. Joanne has placed a proven formula here at Champs International Skating Centre and overviews the day-to-day operation.
ACHIEVEMENTS
3-time Olympic Winter Games Team Coach
Coach to 2014 Olympic Silver Medalist, Figure Skating Team Event; Sochi, Russia
18-time World Team Coach; top 5 finish 2006 & 2013
Coach to over 75 National Medalists (Men’s & Women’s)
Coach to over 20 ISU International Medalists
Coach to ISU Sr Grand Prix Final Champion; ISU Four Continents Champion; ISU Sr Grand Prix Champions, Jr Grand Prix Champions, & Novice Advanced Champions
education
NCCP Level 5 Skate Canada Certified Coach
Chartered Professional Coach
Current Member of the High Performance Committee, Skate Canada
GMCC University Diploma - Performing Arts “Dance Major”
GMCC Scholarship for Choreographic Studies, NYC
York University Sport Science Enriched Studies - “Planning & Periodization” Dr. Tudor Bomba
2000-2005 Pacific Sport Board of Directors
1986-1988 Coaching Association of Canada Scholarship for High Performance Studies
Awards
Skate Canada National Competitive Coach of the Year (2004)
BC Coaches Association International Coach of the Year (2003)
15x Skate Canada Provincial Competitive Coach of the Year (2002-2018)
2016 Richmond Hill, Ontario Sports Hall of Fame Member
2015 Sport BC Female Coach of the Year
2014 Petro Canada National Coaching Excellence Award
2006 Burnaby BC Sports Hall of Fame Member
2001 BMO Possibility Award Winner for Coaching
1998 COS Competitive Coach of the Year
director & producer
Director, Champs International Skating Centre of BC
Founder & Former Director, York Region Skating Academy, Richmond Hill, ON (1988-1998)
Artistic Director, Ice Theatre of Toronto (1990-1998)
Opening and Closing Figure Skating Gala, 2010 Olympic Winter Games, Vancouver, Canada
2010 Opening of Vancouver Convention Centre
“The Ice Age” featuring Hard Rubber Jazz Orchestra (2001, 2010)
CTV’s “So You Think You Can Dance” Soloist Audition (2009)
ISU World Championships Exhibition Gala, Vancouver, Canada (2001)
Ice Theatre of New York Choreography, Rockefeller Square Rink, New York
