October 19, 2016, Charlottetown – Speed Skate P.E.I. is hosting a free ‘Try Speed Skating’ session this Sunday, October 23, at Summerside’s Credit Union Place. The session will run from 1:00 to 2:00 pm.
The provincial skating body says that the session will provide an opportunity for skaters of all ages to learn about speed skating and to try out speed skates. “We’re very excited to be offering this opportunity in Summerside,” said Speed Skate PEI President Jeff Wood. “We consistently get inquiries about the sport from Summerside, Kensington and western parts of the Province, so this is a great chance for people in any of these areas to come try it out.”
P.E.I.’s William Lyons (left) and Thomas McQuaid (centre) lead Scott Verschoor of Saint John around a corner during a short track speed skating meet last season. A try speed skating event is scheduled for Summerside, this Sunday from 1:00 to 2:00 pm at Credit Union Place. Photo courtesy of Kristen Binns.
Both recreational and prospective competitive skaters are welcome to the session. With the recent announcement of the 2023 Canada Winter Games coming to the Island, Speed Skate PEI says that now is the ideal time for young athletes to try the sport.
“We’ve got a strong club in Charlottetown and athletes travelling from across the Island to be part of it,” said Wood. “But to get more skaters from Summerside and western P.E.I. involved, we need to expose them to the sport. If the interest is high enough, we’d love to see a new club form. For now though, we’re excited about this Sunday and looking forward to introducing more people to speed skating.”
For the Sunday afternoon session, which is free of charge, skaters are asked to bring a helmet, neck guard, gloves and their own skates. Those interested will be provided with speed skates (subject to size availability) and should arrive early to allow time for skate fitting. No registration is required. For more information, contact Speed Skate P.E.I. at info@speedskatepei.ca.
More information on Speed Skate P.E.I. and its programs can be found at www.speedskatepei.com.
