(Dec. 21, 2006) - Olympic Speedskater Charles Ryan Leveille returns to hometown Atlanta for a meet and greet with eager, aspiring skate fans at Atlanta’s only outdoor ice rink, located in Centennial Olympic Park. Leveille will be at the ice rink from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 26 for a photograph and autograph session. The ice rink will remain open to the public throughout this event.

Referred to as a “skater of all trades”, Leveille has transitioned between first inline and then short-track circuits before dedicating himself to the long track and earning him the title Olympian. Only two other people in history have made the short-track international team as well as the long-track team within one season. Leveille won a bronze medal in the 500m and 3000m at the 2004 U.S. Short Track National Championships, after only two months of trading in his inline skates for short track speedskates. His progress was delayed however when he broke his back, bringing him within inches of paralysis, after a short-track accident. Leveille spent four months in a full-body cast, and at a point when many athletes might retire, Leveille switched to long track and set a world record in the 2005 U.S. Championships, qualifying for the 2006 Fall World Cup Team. At the 2006 U.S. Long Track Championships, Leveille won a silver medal in the 10,000m, a bronze medal in the U.S. Men’s Allround standings and a spot on the 2006 U.S. Olympic Team.

Centennial Olympic Park’s ice skating rink is now open with extended holiday hours until Jan. 7. Stay cool on the three-inch thick sheet of real ice, and enjoy theatrical lighting on the ice, holiday music, and covered observation seating. Tickets cost $6 for 90 minutes of skate time, and skate rental is an additional $2. The rink will be closed on Dec. 25 for Christmas Day. Separate from the main rink, Centennial Olympic Park also features a kiddie rink made of synthetic ice, allowing parents and their little ones to skate on a softer surface. Groups of 20 or more, who call in advance, receive free skate rental. Groups must call the Park Administration office at 404.223.4412 at least one week in advance and discount is subject to availability.

For more information on the Centennial Olympic Park Ice Skating Rinks, call 404.222.PARK or visit.www.centennialpark.com

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