Dedicated to Inducting Christopher Bowman into "The U.S. and World Figure Skating Hall of Fame"

Tuesday, April 1, 2008

Letters of Support


"Letters of Support" that have been written on behalf of inducting Christopher into the "Figure Skating Hall of Fame" are posted here.

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3 comments:

Anonymous said...

CHRISTOPHER BOWMAN is unequivocally deserving of being inducted into the UNITED STATES FIGURE SKATING HALL OF FAME.

He was the first champion skater in the world to add artistry to both of his programs--Short and Long--in national competions; and the flair, excitement and showmanship he introduced to the crowds, both within the arena and to the national television audiences, brought millions of new fans and admirers to the sport.

His athleticism was unparalleled at the time; and few could even approach his empathy with the crowds. "Bowman the Showman" earned through natural talent, great coaching and choreography, and hard work behind-the-scenes, his honored place in the Hall of Fame.

Michael A. Rosenberg
Personal Manager of CHRISTOPHER BOWMAN

October 14, 2008 at 2:31 PM
Updates said...

DEFINITION OF A GOOD SKATER
In my opinion the definition of a good skater, is one who not only reaches the top, but left either making the sport different or better. ~Dick Button

Dear Members of The U.S. & World Figure Skating Hall of Fame;
Last winter after 2 Time United States Men's National Figure Skating Champion, 2 Time World Medalist and 2 Time United States Winter Olympian - Christopher Bowman tragically passed away on January 10 at the age of 40, many of Christopher's fans and friends contacted me to enlist my help as they began their quest to have Christopher inducted into "The U.S. & World Figure Skating Hall of Fame" class of 2009 ...

Christopher Bowman was a man with strong morals and convictions. Faith, family, friends and humor were very important to him. He was a loving father, life partner and friend. He was a talented athlete and teacher, who taught skating but also many life lessons, to so many who were blessed to be touched in some way by his life. Christopher Bowman had the forgiving heart of an Angel. He was a man who went out of his way to lend a helping hand, to say a kind word, or reach out to a person in need, even strangers he would meet randomly. Christopher was proud of his skating accomplishments and felt truly blessed by the life experiences skating provided him. More importantly Christopher loved giving back to the sport that gave him so much, often times at no cost to his students who couldn’t always afford expensive private lessons. He gave free, extended time or cut his rates in half to work with skaters who loved the sport as much as he did.

At the time of his death, Christopher was working on a drug free athlete program with a friend, and was working with the homeless, befriending a pastor who provides meals to the homeless in his hometown of Van Nuys, CA. Christopher and I were working on starting a homeless foundation, just months before he passed away. He was talking about faith and God, more and more in his last months & he’d expressed a strong desire to become a non-denominational pastor. During the last year of his life, Christopher was traveling back and forth between our home in Lake Orion, MI & Los Angeles where he was working to build a skating program for under privileged children who wanted to learn to skate, at the now disheveled rink in Van Nuys, where he began skating as a child.

Having money or living a certain lifestyle was never important to Christopher, but giving back to skating, especially to those who couldn’t afford lessons was a huge part of his life. Christopher’s life revolved around sharing his knowledge and experience with his students who needed his skills to live and fulfill their own dreams!

Christopher suffered from a lifetime of symptoms caused by Bipolar Disorder and several other health problems. It wasn't until the occurrence of a very serious incident when he was in his mid-30's, that his symptoms were finally recognized as Bipolar and when he was able to receive therapy and treatment for his debilitating disease. Although, I have great understanding of the symptoms Christopher suffered and how he was able to get the help he needed while coping with his bipolar, during his life with me. I find it nearly impossible to believe that his symptoms went undiagnosed as long as they had, as well I find it simply amazing that Christopher was able to accomplish all he had during his competitive & professional career, under the circumstances of his mental illness.

He had many issues to contend with, but he found comfort from his faith, loved ones and his ability to share his athletic experiences with his students. Christopher loved life and always did things his way ... He was working extremely hard to regain the self esteem he lost long ago. He was finding the success he was searching for and was in the process of accomplishing his goals, he was learning to live life with faith and love and he was at peace when he tragically passed away. Christopher was a Champion in everything he did in life and will continue to be a Champion on his new journey.

Speaking as someone who was living a life, raising a family and planning a marriage with Christopher Bowman, I probably knew Christopher best in the last several years of his life. I know Christopher Bowman would feel honored beyond words for his mentors, peers, skating companions, co-competitors and friends to induct him into the U.S. & World Figure Skating Hall of Fame.

Christopher Bowman’s competitive accomplishments alone make him an excellent candidate for the Hall of Fame. But, if you take into consideration his life of dedication to Figure Skating, and those who were touched by his performances, such as fellow skaters who’s own style’s were influenced by Christopher, or fan’s who were inspired by his elegant and showing performances, and his students who were blessed to benefit from his priceless experience, coaching and teaching ability. In my opinion Christopher Bowman should top the list of this year’s nominee’s.

One of figure skating most respected and honored members – Dick Button said it best … as quoted here and above -

"In my opinion the definition of a good skater, is one who not only reaches the top, but left either making the sport different or better."

I don’t think there’s one person who can say Christopher Bowman not only reached the top, but also left making the sport DIFFERENT AND BETTER. The innovation, artistry and showmanship that Christopher Bowman brought to the sport, by not only engaging the audience but by bringing charm and charisma to what was turning into an ordinary event. Christopher Bowman was in part responsible for revolutionizing men’s figure skating, making it what it is today.

Please accept this letter along with my Official Nomination Form and subsequent attachment with Christopher Bowman’s competitive achievements and a petition containing the names of hundreds of fans, friends, co-competitors and peers who also support these efforts.

Sincerely,
April June Freeman

October 14, 2008 at 2:39 PM
Anonymous said...

Great work.

November 11, 2008 at 12:42 AM

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