An Evening with Scott Hamilton and Friends  

November 7, 2009

Saturday 5:00pm

Detail:

Quicken Loans Arena will be the site of a historic moment in sports when Olympic ice-skating champion Scott Hamilton makes his return to the ice at age 51 after more than five years since his last performance and his first since being diagnosed with a benign brain tumor. Hamilton's skating debut will be the highlight of the 10th Annual "An Evening with Scott Hamilton and Friends" ice show and gala on Saturday, November 7th. The event raises funds for The Scott Hamilton CARES Initiative (Cancer Alliance for Research, Education and Survivorship) at Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Institute.

Earlier this year, Oprah Winfrey announced on her show that Hamilton would be returning to the ice and would perform live again. Since then, he's spent countless hours in the gym with his trainer, called his former coach and choreographer back to the rink, and is now training daily on the ice and in the gym for his return at this event. "Cleveland Clinic has been a part of so many major life moments for me," said Hamilton. "The medical team successfully treated me for testicular cancer and has been guiding me through my journey with a brain tumor. We've celebrated many happier milestones together too; from proposing to my wife to finding out we were pregnant. That's why it feels so right to be marking my return to the ice surrounded by the very people who brought me back to such great health at age 51 and have been with me through all of the ups and downs along the way."

The star-studded event that will be the backdrop for Hamilton's comeback will feature the talents of Cheap Trick and the Cleveland Pops Orchestra, conducted by Carl Topilow, performing a special selection of songs from the Beatles' "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" album in a concert setting. Each Cheap Trick band member is a longtime friend of Hamilton, and they are performing this special music at his personal request. Hamilton will be surrounded by fellow Olympic and professional skaters who will also perform throughout the evening. "It is a tremendous thrill to be celebrating two milestones this year - the 10th year of this important cancer fundraiser and Scott's comeback to skating," said Derek Raghavan, M.D., Ph.D, Chairman and Director of the Taussig Cancer Institute. "We're so grateful to have Scott working actively on our behalf to raise awareness and support for key programs that give cancer patients guidance and resources along their journey."