Marilyn Chidlow
Figure Skating Builder - Inducted 2016
Marilyn 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.
"Marilyn's thoughtful, sensitive and positive attitude was a great role model for the organization and for volunteers. Good, clear communication was an important aspect of her leadership."
In 2007, the Alberta: NWT/Nunavut Section established the Marilyn Chidlow Club Volunteer Award, with the award criteria structured around the role model Marilyn had been for skating club volunteers in our province, territories, and across Canada. Marilyn retired from the Skate Canada Board of Directors in 2013; well respected by the International Skating Union members.
Marilyn was inducted to the Ponoka Recreation Wall of Fame in 1993. She received the Skate Canada Board of Directors Billie Mitchell Award in 1992 and 2002. She was awarded the Queen Elizabeth Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002.
After Induction
Marilyn was a recipient of Alberta Sport Connection’s Volunteer Recognition Award in 2017.