David's first figure skating coach, Wally Distelmeyer, taught him to love a sport, and to celebrate every moment with enthusiasm. From Sheldon Galbraith, his second coach, he learned to respect what the sport was, and to strive for excellence. But David learned his most important life lessons at the age of 12, when he nearly lost his life to polio. While battling this devastating disease, David developed the steely-eyed determination and 'yes you can' attitude that were the hallmarks of his career with the Canadian Figure Skating Association (CFSA). David was introduced to figure skating as therapy to regain his ability to walk. He soon developed a love for the sport that would soon become a huge part of his life. He achieved the coveted gold level and competed at the National Championship. At University, he turned from competitive skating to judging where he rose quickly officiating at seven World Championships and the 1984 Olympic Games. As a high school teacher, David remained an active volunteer as a judge and Association Board member. Throughout his career David always found time to mentor young skaters. In 1980 he became the youngest president of the CFSA Board of Directors bringing a fresh enthusiasm to the organization. Four years later, David accepted the staff position of Director General, a position he would hold until 2002. During his tenure he developed the National Team program, created the Athlete's Trust, and developed the successful marketing and television concept. Under his leadership, Canadian skaters won more Olympic and World medals than at any other time added together. In 2000, the International Olympic Committee presented David with the Olympic Order, its highest honour, for his contribution to sport in the global community. Few Canadians hold this prestigious award. David was also the International Skating Union's Vice-President for Figure Skating. David Dore's long and fruitful career has produced a spectacular 'highlights reel' including those special moments watching Barbara Underhill and Paul Martini's 1984 World Pairs Championships, the Hamilton debut of Kurt Browning's signature Casablanca number and the epic battle with Elvis Stojko at the 1994 Canadian Championships. But witnessing the incredible success of the 2001 ISU World Figure Skating Championships in Vancouver - where a remarkable team of volunteers and staff hosted a sold-out record audience event - that was very special indeed. This allowed David Dore to leave the organization, now called Skate Canada, in better shape than he had found it - confident in its ability to move on and become even better. (Written by Barb MacDonald. Barb is a senior communications consultant specializing in international sport and Olympic media operations and special event planning.)