World Champion Kurt Browning, Local Skaters Don Blades of Hope

CORNER BROOK - Remember the glory days of figure skating in Corner Brook? When the sport drew large crowds to the old Humber Gardens stadium? Remember in 2003 when Canadian and World Champion Kurt Browning dazzled the audience at the Pepsi Centre with his fancy footwork and gravity defying programs.

He's back.... Kurt Browning, one of the Canada's premier male figure skaters, is returning to Corner Brook on May 23, 2009 to perform with the Silver Blades Skating Club during the club's 41st annual ice show.

"Silver Blades is thrilled and honored to have Kurt Browning performing at our show," Connie Boland, chair of the club's publicity committee, said at a press conference held at the Pepsi Centre in Corner Brook on Thursday. "Figure skating has always had a huge fan base in Western Newfoundland. Our club wanted to do something special this year; something that would show our skaters, our supporters and the people who follow skating how much we appreciate their ongoing support. "What better way to do that than to invite Kurt Browning to skate in Corner Brook?"

Blades of Hope, presented by the Western Star and Star Style Creative Works, in partnership with Silver Blades Skating Club, will reach beyond the May 23rd performances to help Daffodil Place, a state-of-the art facility under construction in St. John's for cancer patients and their families.

"When we decided to do the show we also decided that we wanted to help another non-profit organization," Boland explained. "The choice to help Daffodil Place was unanimous. Every person on our committee knows someone who has been touched in some way by cancer. The premise behind Daffodil Place is amazing. This is our opportunity to help a great cause." Daffodil Place a 24-suite facility will provide accommodations for those who must travel to St. John's for cancer treatment and will offer the comforts of home that will help patients on the road to recovery.

Tickets for Blades of Hope go on sale Friday, April 3, 2009 at the Pepsi Centre.