Manatee ready to cheer on local Olympians

Local figure skaters Caydee Denney and Jeremy Barrett and Mark Ladwig and Amanda Evora will take the ice in the pairs figure skating competition of the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver tonight and tomorrow night.

To celebrate the pairs’ achievements and to show their support, the Ellenton Ice and Sports Complex, where the pairs train, Ellenton Suds Sports Grill and the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee are hosting a Winter Games Watch Party.

The figure skating pairs competition is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m., tonight and 8 p.m., Monday. Those interested in coming out are encouraged to arrive 45 minutes early to ensure a spot in the restaurant. There will be giveaways, food and drink specials and more.

Ellenton Ice and Sports Complex, located at 5309 29^th St. East, Ellenton, is a 115,000-square-foot facility with two NHL size ice rinks, indoor soccer facility, “paintless” paintball, fitness center, full service restaurant, pro shop and more. It is an international training center for Olympic figure skaters and national champion hockey programs.