By Nancy Bargar
Jamestown, NY – A big investment in Jamestown is beginning to pay off.
The city will be hosting the 2004 US Junior Figure Skating Championships later this year. Jamestown invested in a downtown ice arena several years ago. The US event is expected to generate a $5 million to $6 million economic impact for Jamestown.
Mayor Sam Teresi praised the chairperson, Mary Handley, as well as the Chautauqua Ice and Jamestown Skating clubs' co-directors for working to bring in the national skating event. Teresi says they were the spark plugs that jump started the effort.
"They sparked everything that is happening as it relates to this event," Teresi said. "They have a passion not only for what they do. It's clear that passion is for the place at which they choose to do it on a daily basis."
Jamestown beat out Chicago and a town in New Jersey for the honor. The US Junior Skating Championships will be held in late November and early December.