The Alberta Sports Hall of Fame celebrated Ponoka inductee Marilyn Chidlow on Jan. 25, 2021, wishing the international figure skating leader happy birthday in a Facebook post.
“Marilyn’s thoughtful, sensitive and positive attitude was a great role model for the organization and for volunteers,” stated the post.
“Good, clear communication was an important aspect of her leadership.”
Chidlow was inducted into the hall of fame in February, 2016, for her dedication to the sport in Canada.
READ MORE: Ponoka’s Marilyn Chidlow now a hall of famer
“Chidlow’s passion for skating led her from the local rink in Ponoka in the early 1970s, to the international figure skating stage and 40 years of volunteer service. As chair of the Skate Canada Recreational Skating Committee, she was instrumental in the development of the CanSkate Program, Skate Canada’s flagship program and the leading learn-to-skate program in Canada. She chaired Skate Canada’s Athlete Fund Committee, the Club 2000 Task Force, and the Nominating Committee. Marilyn was President of Skate Canada from 2000 to 2006 and oversaw three highly successful world championships held in Canada. After the 2002 Olympic Games figure skating judging scandal, Marilyn’s visionary leadership helped Skate Canada provide input to, and then adopt, the ISU’s new judging system within the sport.
“During her early years as a volunteer, Marilyn held many executive positions with the Ponoka Skating Club. She expanded her role to serve on the Skate Canada: Alberta-NWT/Nunavut Section Board of Directors and on committees at the national level. She was involved with competitive events including as a Director for the 1994 Canadian Figure Skating Championships and the 1996 World Figure Skating Championships — which were both held in Edmonton.
“Marilyn became a member of the Skate Canada Board of Directors in 1987 and was elected vice president in 1992. As president, she focused on all aspects of skating including competitive skaters, organizational leadership and processes, and involvement with local clubs. She oversaw the organization of the 2001 World Figure Skating Championships in Vancouver, the 2003 World Synchronized Championships in Ottawa, and the 2006 World Figure Skating Championships in Calgary. She served on the board as past president from 2006 to 2013.”
- Alberta Sports Hall of Fame