LAKE PLACID, N.Y. --- U.S. Figure Skating and the New York State Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA) today announced that the International Skating Union (ISU) World Synchronized Skating Championships 2020 has been awarded to Lake Placid, N.Y.

The April 3-5, 2020 event marks the first time that the two-time Olympic village has been selected to host the ISU World Synchronized Skating Championships and the fifth time the United States has staged it.

“The Olympic Center staff and Lake Placid are extremely excited to be hosting this prestigious event,” said ORDA president/CEO Mike Pratt. “Lake Placid has played an important role in enriching the sport of figure skating. So many stars have graced the Olympic Center’s ice including Sonja Henie, Gustave Lussi and Scott Hamilton. We’re thrilled to welcome the world’s best synchronized skaters as they compete for world titles.”

Through the years, Lake Placid and the Olympic Center have held a number of prestigious national and international figure skating competitions, most recently Skate America, in November 2017.

“We are thrilled that the ISU has once again chosen the United States to host this prestigious synchronized skating event,” noted U.S. Figure Skating Executive Director David Raith. “Lake Placid has a storied history in the sport of figure skating and in the Olympic community. We are eager to welcome the international synchronized skating community to this historic town for the first time ever.”

Held since 2000, the World Synchronized Skating Championships is an annual event organized by the International Skating Union and attracts the most elite senior-level synchronized skating teams from around the world.  Traditionally, the top teams have been from Finland, Sweden and Canada. Finnish synchro teams have combined to win 23 medals, while Swedish and Canadian skaters have claimed 12 World Championship medals each. American synchronized skating teams have won six medals.

For more information about all of the events and activities on ORDA’s Olympic venues, visit www.WhitefaceLakePlacid.com.

-- ORDA --

Established in 1982, the New York State Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA) was created by the State of New York to manage the facilities used during the 1980 Olympic Winter Games at Lake Placid. ORDA operates Whiteface, Belleayre and Gore Mountain ski areas; the Olympic Sports Complex at Mt. Van Hoevenberg; the Olympic speed skating oval, Olympic jumping complex and Olympic arena. As host to international and national championships, the Authority has brought millions of athletes, spectator and participants to the region, resulting in significant economic development.