The return to competitive figure skating by Olympic champion Evan Lysacek in Kent continues to pick up momentum.

National Air Cargo, a New York-based logistics and charter provider, announced Wednesday its sponsorship of Lysacek as he aims to defend his 2010 Olympic title at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia.

Lysacek will end a two-year layoff when he competes Oct. 19-21 at the ShoWare Center in Hilton HHonors Skate America, the opening event of the International Skating Union’s Grand Prix of Figure Skating Series.

Lysacek will attempt to become the first man to win back-to-back Olympic figure skating titles since America’s Dick Button accomplish the feat in 1948 and 1952.

“Evan embodies the determination and passion required for continued success in men’s figure skating and is an amazing example to our employees who work around the clock handling passengers and cargo throughout the world,” said Lori Alf, owner and board member of National Air Cargo Group, in a media release from PR Newswire.

“We wish Evan all success in his Olympic endeavor,” said Alf, who is also the owner of Palm Beach Ice Works, a training facility in South Florida for aspiring figure skaters and hockey players.

National Air Cargo moves cargo in over 220 countries with a fleet of 33 leased or owned aircraft. The company specializes in express cargo delivery in domestic and international shipments of over-sized, time-sensitive, and special-handling-required cargo and equipment.

Lysacek, 27, will be part of the Grand Prix Series, entering its 18th season. The series incorporates six international figure skating competitions as a unified point-scoring series that awards prize money to eligible skaters.

At the conclusion of the series, points are totaled, and the top six ladies, men, pairs and ice dancing teams are invited to compete at the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final Dec. 5-9 in Sochi, Russia, site of the 2014 Olympic Winter Games.

Tickets are available at www.2012skateamerica.com/tickets, the ShoWare ticket office or by calling 253-856-6999.

NBC will broadcast live coverage of Skate America on Sunday, Oct. 21.

For more information about the 2012 Grand Prix Series, including the complete list of events and skater selections, go to www.isu.org.