A skating event to remember - six Olympic Figure Skating Medalists compete in Hamilton at the Sears Figure Skating Open

TORONTO, Oct. 12 /CNW/ - Three-time World Champion Michelle Kwan, four- time World Champion, Kurt Browning, three-time World Champion, Elvis Stojko, two-time Olympic Silver Medalist and World Champion, Brian Orser and Canadian Pair Champions, Jamie Sali & David Pelletier will compete for over $440,000 in prize money at the 2000 Sears Figure Skating Open in Hamilton, November 30 and December 1.

"This is very unique for me, skating close to home, in Canada, with the top skaters in the world," enthuses Browning, "The fans love to see the amateurs and the pros skate together. I believe we are really giving Canadian skating fans what they want, the biggest names in the sport together in one competition."

The Canadian men will also have to fend off challenges from three-time World champion Alexei Yagudin, 1996 World Champion, and defending champion of the Sears Figure Skating Open Todd Eldredge and nine-time British Champion, Steven Cousins.

Set to take place on Thursday, November 30 and Friday December 1, at Copps Coliseum in Hamilton, the event also features Canadians Jennifer Robinson and Josie Chouinard, Americans Sarah Hughes and Nicole Bobek.

The pair's competition will prove to be equally exciting as Wirtz & Wirtz (Canada), Sato & Dungjen, Meno & Sand, and Ina & Zimmerman (U.S.) and Kazakova and Dmitriev (Russia) vie for the Championship title.

The event will be divided into two sessions starting with the Technical Programs on Thursday and the Interpretative Programs on Friday. The competition begins at 7:00 p.m. both evenings.

"Sears is very proud to once again sponsor this great event," said John Menchella, National Director, Strategic Marketing, Sears Canada. "We know how much our customers and the fans enjoyed the skating last year and look forward to another spectacular presentation."

This is Sears third year as a sponsor. "With such a star-studded line-up in all categories men's, ladies' and pairs' skating fans, many of whom are Sears customers, are going to enjoy great value for their entertainment dollar' said Menchella.

Formerly known as the Canadian Professional Figure Skating Championship, this will be the 7th year of the event, and is the only "Open" figure skating competition held in Canada.

The rules and judging will be under the auspices of the International Skating Union (ISU), the international governing body for figure skating. The event is sanctioned by Skate Canada (formerly referred to as the Canadian Figure Skating Association).

The event is proud of its association with Sears Canada, Walt Disney Consumer Products and Walt Disney Attractions.