Photo: Jack Fan and Katie Xu. By Amal Abdulsalam, via the Goulbourn Skating Club
Rink A at the Goulbourn Recreation Complex has been named the “Katie Xu and Jack Fan Rink” after the Olympic-level figure skating duo who have trained inside it their entire career.
A city commemoration ceremony was held on Oct. 3 to commemorate the achievements of Xu and Fan. The pair joined the Goulbourn Skating Club in 2011 and have received acclaim from Skate Canada and Special Olympics Canada, for their success in competitions over the years, achievements that have made them decorated figure skaters. Among many notable achievements, Katie and Jack became World Champions as each skater scored three medals at the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Austria in 2017
Ottawa City Council approved the commemorative naming earlier this year.
“It’s so exciting for them, the Goulbourn Skating Club and the special needs community,” said Cathy Skinner, a long-time coach with the Goulbourn Skating Club, when the naming was approved. “Especially since this year is the 50th anniversary of the Special Olympics, so how appropriate that we are celebrating these athletes’ achievements instead of focusing on any disability they might have!”