This week, members of the U. S. Figure Skating Association met with Cleveland city officials for a tour of the city. Cleveland is one of four cities vying to play host to the 2009 World Figure Skating Championships. This competition will be very important to all the skaters as it is the last World championships that take place before an Olympic year. Historically, the skaters who finish first at this competition before the Olympic year position themselves as favorites to win Olympic gold. And if the event takes place in a U.S. city, our American skaters should have a huge advantage.
A part of me hopes Cleveland wins the bid, just so I have somewhere to go in March 2009. I just returned from Calgary, Canada a couple of weeks ago for the World Championships there, and it was one of the most exciting competitive events I've ever attended. I would definitely go again, and Cleveland is a hop, skip and a jump away. I'll start saving my pennies now.
But another part of me is envious. I can't help but think, "Why not Chicago?" We're a major metropolitan city with lots of hotels, restaurants, transportation and sightseeing opportunities. We've got two possible venues for the event -- United Center and Allstate Arena.
Hmmmmm...something to ponder for the future. Hey, Mayor Daley, let's bring a major international skating event to our town first as a test for the Olympics. If we can handle that event, we can handle the Olympics.
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