Olympic champion Tara Lipinski talked about her career and its challenges during the annual Team USA Prep Seminar on Jan. 22 at the Omaha Hilton. Nearly all of the novice athletes attended the breakfast, where the key- note address was delivered by the skating great. A video showing 15-year-old Lipinski winning the Olympic gold medal kicked off her address to the young athletes. She talked about dealing with frustration and competition nerves, as well as the huge role that her mom played in her success.
Fans had the opportunity to experi- ence a mock “Puffs Kiss and Cry” on the concourse during the Champion- ships.
U.S. pairs silver medalists Alexa Scimeca and Chris- topher Knierim sign an autograph for one of their fans. Medalists from the novice level to the senior level spent time on the concourse at the Century Link Center signing auto- graphs and taking photo- graphs with their sup- porters.
The 2013 Prudential U.S. Championships silent auction raised more than $4,500 for Team USA. Prudential, Hilton HHonors, Main Event, Mannheim Steamroller and U.S. Figure Skating donated Items.
Rick Perez, who has served U.S. Figure Skating in numerous ways over the past several decades, received the 11th annual Jimmy Disbrow Award in Omaha. Perez embodies the spir- it and passion for volunteerism on which the Jimmy Disbrow Award was founded, according to the selec- tion committee. He has amassed an impressive career as a competitor, referee, judge, technical panel offi- cial, committee chair and a beloved team leader at multiple international competitions. He served as the chief referee at the U.S. Championships in Omaha. His nomination letter read in part, “Across all disciplines, this individual is held in high esteem by peers, skaters and coaches for his commitment to achievement and fairness, with no thought of person- al ambition. He brings an infectious enthusiasm and gentle nature to all that he does, making everyone feel equally important and valued.” Dis- brow, who passed away in 2002, was a U.S. junior medalist in singles and pairs, a coach, an official and presi- dent of U.S. Figure Skating from 1998 to 2000. His wife, Dede, presented the award to Perez.
Memorial Fund Chair Susan Bonn is flanked by junior pairs skat- ers Britney Simpson and Jessica Noelle Calalang, who both spoke at the Memorial Fund reception in Omaha. The Memorial Fund reception took the form of a buffet luncheon as 70 guests and a number of current athletes enjoyed sandwiches, salads and des- serts. Bonn welcomed guests and delivered remarks on the his- tory, mission and importance of the Memorial Fund. Simpson and Calalang, who have both received Memorial Fund assistance, spoke to the group about how Memorial Fund support has helped them to continue to train and compete to reach their goals.
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