Canadian figure skating pioneer David Dore dies in his sleep at age 75

OTTAWA – Figure skating pioneer David Dore died in his sleep on Friday morning at the age of 75.

Dore was the youngest president of the Canadian Figure Skating Association, now known as Skate Canada. He served as the first vice president of figure skating for the International Skating Union until his death.

“The skating community in Canada and around the world are extremely saddened by the passing of David. He brought figure skating to a whole new level with his innovative and forward-thinking ideas; many practices that he implemented are still in use today,” said Dan Thompson, Skate Canada CEO. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Dore family during this trying time. The sport has lost a true champion.”

Dore is one of the most decorated administrators and volunteers in Canadian sport, and was inducted into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame in 2008. In 2002, he received the International Olympic Committee’s highest honour, the Olympic Order, for his contribution to sport in the global community. In 2008 he was inducted into the Skate Canada Hall of Fame as a builder.

During his 18-year tenure at Skate Canada he developed the national team program, created the Athlete Trust, developed successful marketing and television concepts and staged three highly successful ISU world figure skating championships.

Dore was also a national medallist, a world and Olympic level judge, and was involved locally at the club and section level.