Youth speed skaters race to personal bests at national Long Track Championship

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Tween-aged skaters raced against the nation’s best at this weekend’s Canadian Youth Long Track Championship at the Pomeroy Sports Centre.

With over 140 competitors from ages 11 to 13, a quartet of Fort St. John speedskaters raced to personal bests in events at distances of 300, 500, 1000 and 1500 metres at the event from Friday, February 7th to Sunday, February 9th. 

Skaters from B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and the Northwest Territories competed for national glory.

The event was the last of three major events hosted by the Fort St. John Speed Skating Club, following December’s Canadian  Neo-Junior/Junior Championship and last month’s BC Long Track Championship, according to club president Shadi Salehi.

“It’s been amazing, ” said Salehi. “It’s been without problems, and smooth. We have 143 skaters from across [Canada] in total.

“They don’t travel with coaches. They come with the whole family. About 300 people are here for this event, [they] have been in [Fort] St. John. The parking lot is full.”

Fort St. John skater Ivanka Whale was scratched in the Girls 13 class after a knee injury on Saturday.

But Arjen Pos (Boys 13 class), Jacob Peredela (Boys 12 class) and Henry Pos (Boys 11 class) each raced to personal and seasonal bests.

Highlights of the championship included a coaching clinic on Friday and team pursuit races with mixed teams from different provinces after the 300-metre boys’ and girls’ races on Sunday morning.

This allows the youngsters to blend together and learn teamwork despite potential barriers like language, according to Katherine North.

North is a meet coordinator and one of 60-plus volunteers who assisted at the event.  This includes medical staff, linesmen and officials.

Older skaters from the club who did not take part also lent a hand.

“We’ve had an amazing amount of feedback about the event,” said North. “This is the biggest event we’ve ever hosted here in my seven years. 

“[It’s all about]  just trying to increase that awareness in our community of the amazing facility we have. But also we’re hosting these high-level national championships here in Fort St. John and people will travel from far away to come and skate here.”

The club’s speed skating season will conclude with a year-end fun skate and banquet on March 1st.

More information about Fort St. John Speed Skating Club is available through the club’s website and Facebook page.