Hong Kong (13 July 2023) - Discovery Bay Ice Rink (“DBIR”) is proud to announce that it will be
hosting Skate Asia 2023, the world's largest recreation skating competition endorsed by the Ice
Skating Institute Asia (ISIAsia) and a significant competition for the skating community worldwide,
from 4-15 August 2023.
Skate Asia to Return to Hong Kong after 22 Years
Skate Asia has been held in various countries across Asia and Southeast Asia during the summer
since 1989. The first Skate Asia was held in Hong Kong in 1989 and again in 2001. After a 22-year
hiatus, Discovery Bay Ice Rink is pleased to bring this grand figure skating event back to Hong
Kong.
This year's Skate Asia event will be the biggest ever, a testament to the growing popularity of figure
skating in Asia. This highly anticipated event will bring together 1,750 skaters from over ten
countries and cities, including cities in mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, Chinese Taipei, Malaysia,
Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, and the USA, to showcase their skills and compete in around
4,400 individual and team events.
Committed to promoting ice sports and nurturing ice sports enthusiasts, DB Ice Skating School's
team of elite coaches, composed of Hong Kong Figure Skating Team members, offer a wide range of
training courses from beginners to advanced levels. By organising Skate Asia, we aim to increase
awareness of ice sports and promote them to the public in Hong Kong. This event not only serves
as a platform for figure skating athletes to excel and improve their skills through a large-scale
international competition but also provides a showcase for the sport and an opportunity for public
participation, all set against the backdrop of our international standard rink.
Discovery Bay Ice Rink to Host the Largest Recreation Figure Skating Event Ever in the World
"Hosting Skate Asia at DB Ice Rink is an honour for us," said Mr. Ivan Lee, Executive Vice President,
Operations, Auberge Hospitality. "Being the first international figure skating event in Hong Kong
post-pandemic, we are thrilled to welcome 1,750 skaters from Hong Kong, mainland China, and
overseas.” DB Ice Rink's state-of-the-art facilities have made it a preferred venue for professional
performances and international competitions. “Our goal is to establish DBIR as an elite training
institute for figure skating, speed skating, and ice hockey, thereby elevating Hong Kong's ice
sports," added Mr. Lee.
Mr. Harry Janto Leo, President of ISIAsia, expressed his excitement at the overwhelming response to
the event, "The number of skaters enrolled exceeded all expectations. As a result, the competition
period has been extended by three days to cover 4-6 August as well to accommodate all skaters."
A total of 46 ice rinks in the region will be participating in the competition, and 13 coaches and
over 120 students of DB Ice Skating School will be among them.
U.S. National Champion Ms. Mariah Bell will Perform at the Opening Ceremony
The opening ceremony taking place on 8 August 2023 will feature four exciting figure skating
performances, including DB Ice Skating School Figure Skating Senior Coach Mr. Harry Lee, homegrown
"Prince of Ice" who is not only a 6-time champion of Hong Kong Championships but also a
three-time third runner-up of the Asian Open Figure Skating Trophy whose best ranking is 130th in
the world. Apart from a solo performance, Harry will also be performing with DBIR students.
Furthermore, we are delighted to have two other special guests with us – Ms. Mariah Bell and Ms.
Linda Dean Huggins. Ms. Mariah Bell is a world-renowned figure skater and the 2022 U.S. national
champion, her best result being fourth place at the 2022 World Figure Skating Championships and
represented the United States at the 2022 Winter Olympics. Ms. Bell will also be the guest coach for
the coach accreditation seminar and will have a meet-and-greet session with skaters during Skate
Asia 2023.
Ms. Linda Dean Huggins is the Vice-Chair of ISIAsia’s Technical Committee and High Level Test
Committee, ISI Gold-Certified Judge & Referee, a former World Professional Figure Skating
Championship competitor, and a former Principal Skater with Holiday on Ice, a popular international
touring ice show. She is also a highly respected choreographer and a referee of Skate Asia this year.
All are Welcome to Witness the Landmark Event of the Global Figure Skating Scene
Skate Asia 2023 is a celebration of the sport of figure skating. It provides a unique opportunity for
the public to witness some of the world's most talented skaters in action. We invite everyone to
come and witness this unforgettable event and experience the graceful and expertly executed figure
skating performances. Whether you are a seasoned skating enthusiast or a newcomer to the sport,
Skate Asia 2023 is an event not to be missed. Mark your calendars and join us in Discovery Bay to
witness this spectacular ice sports event and support the athletes.
Skate Asia 2023 - Facts & Figures
| Schedule | Competition: 4-15 August 2023 Opening ceremony: 8 August 2023 (11:40am -12:45pm) Award ceremony: 15 August 2023 (5:20pm – 6:20pm) |
| No. of Skaters | 1,750 |
| Age of Skaters | 3-63 |
| No. of Rinks | 46 |
| No. of Countries and Regions | >10 |
| No. of Events | 4,400 |
For more information, please visit the official website www.skateasia2023.com
Please download high resolution images from this link: https://rb.gy/cl5h4
