|
Chevrolet
Extends Partnership with USFSA
Chevrolet Motor Division announced at the
2000 State Farm U.S. Figure Skating Championships that it is
extending its long-standing agreement with the United States
Figure Skating Association (USFSA) through 2004.
The partnership continues Chevrolet's commitment
to support and sponsor innovative programs that provide training,
incentives and college scholarships to figure skaters at all
levels -- from grassroots to novice to elite.
"We're thrilled to be associated with
programs that encourage both academic and athletic excellence,"
said Kurt Ritter, Chevrolet general manager. "During the
past five years we have reached a tremendous number of skaters,
families and fans, and we're looking forward to implementing
more impactful programs for aspiring skaters in the next five
years."
The programs Chevrolet sponsors include
the following:
- Skate with U.S. -
the USFSA's successful learn to skate program that teaches children
and adults of all ages how to skate and enjoy skating as a lifelong
sport.
- Scholastic Honors Team - a program that awards $1,000 stipends to high
school students who excel academically and in figure skating.
These awards are given out yearly in a special ceremony at the
U.S. Championships.
- Team 2006 -
a program that provides special training to top novice skaters
selected by the USFSA. The training sessions are held in conjunction
with the U.S. Championships.
"On behalf of our 575 member clubs,
I'm extremely pleased about Chevrolet's extended commitment to
U.S. figure skating," said Jimmy Disbrow, USFSA President.
"Chevy's support helps us continue quality skating programs
at all levels, as we reach out to millions of skaters, families
and fans throughout the U.S."
Kwan and
Chevrolet Partner to Benefit Student-Athletes
Chevrolet Motor Division announced it has
signed a multi-year agreement with Michelle Kwan. The partnership
is one of the most expansive in Chevrolet history and will integrate
advertising, marketing and promotional activities.
As a leading member of the U.S. figure
skating team and one of the front-runners for an Olympic gold
medal in 2002, Kwan is not only an outstanding and popular athlete,
but also a young woman committed to excellence in all endeavors.
"Michelle's vision of success matches
Chevrolet's 100 percent," said Kurt Ritter, Chevrolet general
manager. "We both believe passion and quality are key factors
in achieving success, whatever the arena. Chevrolet chooses to
partner with people who are not only successful, but who serve
as good role models as well. Michelle is one of the best female
athletes competing today -- and we're thrilled Chevy's support
will help her inspire others."
As part of the agreement, Chevrolet and
Kwan will create a program to benefit aspir-ing, young student-athletes.
Details of the program will be announced later this year.
"Chevy's support for student-athletes
is for real, and I believe that our partnership will help other
young people achieve their dreams," said Kwan, who, in addition
to being a world class athlete, is also a student at UCLA.
As winner of the "Chevrolet Cavalier
Perfect Six Award" in 1998, Kwan has experienced Chevy's
connection to skating first hand. She still drives her 1998 Cavalier
convertible, which Chevrolet awarded her after earning 15 perfect
scores at the U.S. Championships.
The relationship with Chevrolet is part
of Chevy's ongoing partnership with the United States Figure
Skating Association (see Icebreaker on this page).
"We are honored to work with Michelle,"
said Ritter. "Her spectacular athletic and scholastic ability,
plus her dedication to young student-athletes will be a winning
combination for Chevrolet. Michelle's example lets other young
people know that they too can achieve greatness."
In Memory
-- Ronnie Robertson
Skating lost another legend when 1956 Olympic
silver medalist Ronnie Robertson died on Feb. 4 at Orange Coast
Memorial Hospital in Fountain Valley, Calif. He was 62.
Robertson, who fell into a coma due to
pneumonia in early February, had a history of heart and lung
problems.
A coach after his skating career, Robertson
finished second at the 1956 Olympics in Cortina, Italy, behind
Hayes Jenkins and in front of Hayes' brother David. Robertson
was also the U.S. and World silver medalist that year behind
Hayes Jenkins.
He won a World silver medal in 1955, also
finishing between the Jenkins brothers. Robertson was a three-time
medalist at the U.S. championships, and he also skated in a variety
of ice shows. He was considered the best spinner in skating throughout
his career, and also was a fine jumper who frequently hit triple
jumps in practices long before they were fashionable. He performed
the first triple Salchow at the 1955 World Championships in Vienna,
Austria. Robertson also was considered a pioneer of the quadruple
jump, which he occasionally did during teaching sessions as far
back as the 1970s. Also known as the "human blur,"
his spinning abilities were famous nationwide. He even appeared
on the Ed Sullivan Show to demonstrate that he could spin faster
than an electric fan. He coached skaters at various rinks over
the last 10 years. He also worked with Olympic champions Brian
Boitano and Kristi Yamaguchi early in their careers.
Robertson was born Sept. 25, 1937, in Brackenridge,
Pa., but discovered figure skating at age 7 after his family
moved to Long Beach, Calif., in 1940. After his competitive career,
he joined the Ice Capades and later toured with Holiday on Ice.
He is a member of both the U.S. and World Figure Skating Hall
of Fames. |