September 11, 2015, Charlottetown – Speed Skate PEI says it is ready and excited to get on the ice for its 25th season and has extra plans for the anniversary year. The organization announced recently that it will be hosting the Canada East Short Track Speed Skating Championships in Charlottetown in March. That event will close out the special season with the highest level of speed skating competition that PEI has hosted since 1997.
The organization recently launched its milestone year with a coaching symposium led by Robert Tremblay, a five time Olympic coach and 20 year national team coach with Speed Skating Canada. Tremblay, who also competed as an athlete in the 1988 Calgary Olympics, spent two days with the Island’s growing contingent of speed skating coaches covering the latest in technique, equipment and race tactics.
The symposium with Tremblay was funded through the 2009 Canada Games Legacy Fund. “We were extremely fortunate to have the support from the Legacy Fund and to be able to bring Robert to P.E.I. to work with us,” said Rob Binns, Speed Skate PEI President. “Robert’s knowledge of our sport is unsurpassed and his teaching style is very accessible. Our coaches are looking forward to putting his advice into action with our skaters.”
Speed Skate PEI says it is working on some other ways to mark the anniversary, including a reunion for past members and a national team athlete or national team alumni visit. The provincial body is looking to build on its recent growth, after the success of the Eastern Kings Speed Skating Club which launched in Souris last season and record numbers of speed skaters in Charlottetown. “We know there is lots of curiousity and interest in speed skating out there,” said Binns. “We want as many people as possible to give the sport a try. The thrill of racing on skates is something that all Canadians should get a chance to experience.”
A Try Speed Skating session will be held at the Eastlink Centre on Wednesday, September 16 from 6:30 to 7:30 pm. The session is free of charge and speed skates will be provided, pending size availability. Participants should arrive 30 to 45 minutes early for skate fitting and should bring a helmet, gloves and eye protection.
The new season starts in Charlottetown on September 26 and registrations are being accepted online at www.speedskatepei.com. Fittings for rental speed skates take place on Saturday, September 19 from 9:00 to 11:30 a.m. For more information on programs or on the Try Speed Skating session, email info@speedskatepei.ca.