Fort St. John Speedskating Club celebrates 60th Anniversary with Free Skate Event 

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Families and supporters gathered for a free skate honouring the Fort St. John Speedskating Club’s 60th anniversary kick-off on Wednesday, October 23rd, at the Pomeroy Sports Centre.

There were 150 attendees, including city staff and councillors Jim Lequiere and Tony Zabinski.

According to a press release, the club’s humble beginnings in 1964 continue today, as it maintains a dedicated group of volunteers.

Club president Shadi Salehi says the past five years allow the anniversary to have a “silver lining.”

Salehi is in her second season as president after joining the club as a treasurer.  This is her 13th season in total. 

“This season represents an achievement celebrating local volunteers,” Salehi said. “This is a volunteer-run club.”

“Not only have we survived through COVID, we have been able to get back to our pre COVID numbers in terms of registration we are doing our the hosting that we do.”

Skaters during the event included Tara Curry, a mainstay on the team in the 1980s. Salehi said her family has continued to be involved in the sport.

“She was a national-level skater,” said of the 1989 junior national outdoor champion. “She has four kids, three of whom became speed skaters.”

“Our head coach, Desiree Lillico, is her daughter, and [Desiree’s] daughter is now skating with us.  So on ice [on Wednesday], we had three generations of a family skating on the ice.  It was something we were all proud of.”

Currently, the club has seven members skating down in Calgary with the national team.  Those include Josh Telizyn, who competed on the World Cup circuit last season.

The club will hold three competitions this upcoming year, beginning with the National Junior and NeoJunior championships from December 13th to 15th.

For more information about the club or to join, visit the club’s website or email the club at info@fsjspeedskating.ca