Tori's video

We are so proud! Tori Spence's video was the runner up in the ING Speed Skating Challenge - The Search for Canada's Best Speed Skating Story.

Her video, "Owen's Oval", is about her father: a man with a vision, seeing inukshuks and long track ovals in BC's future well before the 2010 Games were on their way. His inspiring work to create a speed skating legacy in his community will never be forgotten.

Cathy, Tori, Josie, Sara and Eric Spence shared their appreciation with the Kamloops River City Racers:

As Tori said this weekend, at her acceptance speech in Calgary for the runner up award, she would not have been a finalist without the overwhelming support from so many friends and family.

It meant a lot to our family to be able to share this story. It has been a big part of our journey these last three months. It has given us something to be excited about and bring us closer to friends and family. We feel happy that Owen’s memory can live on in the hearts and minds of so many. Owen was always so proud of his children. This was their opportunity to show others how proud they were of their Dad. We miss him so.

Scott McHattie of Oakville, Ontario was the winner of the ING challenge. All of the videos remain available for viewing on the website.

National Final! ING Speed Skating Challenge

Here is the latest letter from Catriona Le May Doan. (The bold is my own!)

Dear Friends of Speed Skating,

Over the course of this year's ING Speed Skating Challenge, we've been introduced to 16 wonderful video stories from across the country that remind us why we love the sport and how we’ve become a great speed skating nation.

And, we couldn’t have asked for two more inspiring and heartfelt stories to emerge in our National Final: Tori Spence's "Owen’s Oval" and Scott MacHattie's "Speed Skating: the Inclusive Sport."

I'm excited to announce that CBC has decided to feature both stories in a special segment during their national broadcast of the World Single Distance Championships, airing this Saturday, March 21, at 2pm EST.

With only two days remaining and a tight race between the Finalists, this is your last chance to vote for your favorite video story.

Will Canada's best speed skating story be Tori Spence or Scott MacHattie?

The final voting deadline is Friday March 20, 2009 at 12 Midnight MST.

Canada's Best Speed Skating Story will be crowned on Saturday March 21, 2009 at this year’s ING Video Awards Party in Calgary.

Stay tuned to your email to learn who will win the second annual ING Speed Skating Challenge!