Chevrolet's Making Dreams Possible

Kamloops River City Racers Speed Skating Club is the recipient of a Chevrolet's Making Dreams Possible Coaching Grant!

Learn To Skate

The Learn To Skate winter session begins Thursday January 6th at McArthur Island Arena. The focus of this class is on fundamental movement skills on skates, such as falling down and getting up, stopping, balance, skating stride (push and glide), starting, corner cross overs and agility. Skills are taught through games. Skaters do not have to know how to skate to join this group and they do not have to wear speed skates.

This series runs until Feburary 24, 2011. Contact Connie Forbes to register: ctmf@telus.net.

2011 Polarthon

It's time to register for the 2011 Polarthon! You may print this form, or register online.

News for RCR

Three River City Racer Speed Skaters ranked top 16 for the fastest female short trackers in the province and qualified them to vie for a position on the Canada Winter Games Team to be held in Halifax in February 2011. The first of two qualifying rounds was held this past weekend in Abbotsford at BC Cup #1. The top five females and top five males out of the pool of top 16 skaters will be selected to represent BC at the Games. Josie Spence (16yrs) and River City Racers best bet to make the team had a difficult weekend. She fell in two of her distances and was disqualified in the third placing her in 8th spot overall however Josie continues to hold the fastest 1500m time in the province. Anneke Pederson (15yrs) skated well moving up from an initial ranking of 15th to end in 11th spot and with a new personal best in the 1500m. Sara Spence (14yrs) finished 12th overall with a personal best coming in the 1000m.

In other action on the weekend Matej Pederson (9 yrs) participated in the interclub portion of the competition and finished his division with a first place and two second place finishes finishing second overall. Eric Spence (12yrs) won his division with first place finishes coming in the 10 minute and 2 km relay events and the individual 3k points race and a third place in the 400m event.

Next up for several of the Racers is the first of two qualifying rounds for the Canada Winter Games long track speed skating event. Sara and Josie Spence will be joining their sister Tori in Calgary to compete at the CanAm Olympic style speed skating event November 19 – 21 in Calgary.

News from RCR

Tori Spence, a member of the River City Racers Speed Skating Club, set a new provincial record with a time of 2:15.66 in the 1500m at the Oval Invitational Long Track Competition in Calgary over the weekend. She also raced to season best times in the 500 and 3000m events.

In action closer to home her sister Sara Spence set three new personal bests at the October Chill Short Track event held in Kamloops this weekend. Her personal bests came in the 500m, 1000m and 1500m events. Anneke Pederson, also of the Kamloops River City Racers, set personal best times in the 500m and 1500m events. Margaret Jean Willis, 5 years of age, and Matej Pederson, 9 years, came first in their respective divisions. Tim Mburu, Eric Spence, Alexander, and Delray Willis established new times in each of the distances they raced as their competition was held on a 100m radius track rather than the traditional 111m track.

Next up for the racers is BC Cup #1 at which Anneke Pederson, Josie, Sara and Eric Spence have all qualified to compete.

Dryland Training Today!

When: October 14, 4:00 - 5:15
Where: Meet at McArthur Island Arena - front door
What: Skating drills off ice and a core circuit.
Bring: Outdoor training attire (runners, shorts), water

Josie Spence Qualifies for Junior Nationals

River City Racer sisters Josie (16 yrs) and Sara Spence (14 yrs) competed at Oktoberfest, an international short track competition, held in Calgary over the weekend. There were 60 female competitors at this event. Both Josie and Sara raced three different distances and both set personal bests in all three distances skated. Sara skated to personal bests in the 500m (50.7), 1000m (1:46.5) and the 1500m (2:44.2). Josie’s personal bests set on the weekend were 48.6 in the 500m, 1:39.4 in the 1000m and 2:28.4 in the 1500m. Josie’s times qualify her to skate in the Junior Canadian Short Track Championships held in Chicoutimi Quebec this December 11th and 12th.

Kamloops River City Racers' True Sport Community Give-Back

This is Kamloops River City Racers Speed Skating Club submission to True Sport Community Give-Back Challenge 2010

October 7th is voting day! Go to the Sports Day in Canada website and choose the Kamloops River City Racers video. Vote as often as you want and help the club to win $5,000 or $10,000! Please spread the word!




This video was created by the talented Anneke Pederson.

Kamloops Triathlon Club Annual Celebration

The Kamloops Triathlon Club is pleased to announce their year end celebration and AGM on Saturday, October 2. The evening will feature guest speaker Steve King, the voice of Ironman Canada. Tickets are $35.00 per person and can be purchased at Taboo Cycles, Fun Stuff Bike Shop, Runners Sole and Valhalla Pure Outfitters. More information can be found at the website at www.trytri.org 

Sports Day

We had a great turn out for the Sports Day in Canada Celebration! River City Racers hosted a "Give Speed Skating a Try" event. Here is a selection of photos from our Sports Day web album.

Registration and Skate Fitting

It's time to register for the 2010-2011 season! If you are unable to attend at this time you may register by contacting Cathy at 250-374-5430.

When: Thursday, September 16, 4pm – 6pm
Where: McArthur Island Arena Kamloops

Club members who borrowed skates for summer camps should bring them to registration for inventory and fitting.

Sports Day - Give Speed Skating a Try!

Be part of the Sports Day in Canada initiative on September 18 and celebrate the power of sport by joining the Kamloops River City Racers Speed Skating Club for a Free ‘Try Speed Skating’ session from 2 – 4pm at McArthur Arena. All ages and abilities welcome.

Speed skates and equipment available to try. Please bring your own helmet (cycling, hockey)

Qualified coaches and club skaters in attendance to assist you on the ice and answer your questions about the sport and the club.

Participate in some speed skating drills and games. Watch club skaters perform speed skating drills. Meet the club’s provincial and Canadian champions.

Try Speed Skating on Canadian Sports Day. This could be your sport for a lifetime of healthy and active living.

For more information please email speedskatingkamloops@shaw.ca or call Cathy at 250 374 5430.

SPORTS DAY
River City Racers - Try Speed Skating

Saturday September 18, 2010 

2:00 – 4:00pm 

McArthur Arena

Kamloops 

 photo Bogetti-Smith

Chhildren's Learn to Skate

Our popular Children's Learn to Skate program is back again this year! Skaters must be at least 5 years of age.

What:

• A learn to skate program for the beginner skater
• Focus on fundamental movement skills on skates, i.e. balance, skating stride (push and glide), stopping, starting, corner cross overs, and agility
• Skills taught through games
• Report cards and achievement pins awarded

Where: McArthur Arena

When: Thursdays 5:15 - 6:00pm. There are 2 sets of lessons:

• Fall: October-November 
• Winter: January-March

Registration and skate fitting will take place on Thursday, September 16th at McAthur Arena main lobby 4 - 6:30pm. For ongoing registration contact Cathy 250-374-5430.

RCR Annual General Meeting Report

The Kamloops River City Racers Speed Skating Club hosted its annual Season’s Awards Celebration and AGM on Sunday April 25, 2010.

Members of the River City Racers this season participated in events as local as the club’s own mini meets to Junior World Cups and Olympic Trials. For those skaters that raced this season, each was awarded with a ‘how fast can you skate’ medal. Skaters best times were converted into KPM and times ranged from 2.6 KPH to 44.2 KPH.

‘Skater of the Year’ recognition was shared between siblings this season. Eric Spence (11yrs) who is the club’s first Canadian Champion and Tori Spence (17yrs) who came 5th at Junior Nationals this season and skated to a bronze medal finish in the 3k event at both the Nationals and North American Championships. Tori broke and set 5 provincial records this season, qualified to skate in three distances at the 2010 Olympic Trials, and is the Provincial Junior women’s champion setting 4 new track records in the process. Eric broke and set two new provincial records, is the Provincial Midget boy’s champion setting 4 new track records in the process.

Most Improved Female Short Track skater went to Anneke Pederson (15yrs). Anneke skated at the BCWG and came home with a gold medal, was the 4th ranked juvenile female skater in the province and qualifed and skated at Canadian Age Class Nationals in New Brunswick. Brother Matej Pederson (8 yrs) was the most improved male short track skater winning the Provincial Championships in the PeeWee boys division and sweeping all four distances skated. He broke and set two new provincial records in the process. (These records had been held for 16 years by Denny Morrison).

Most Improved Female Long Track Skater went to Sara Spence (14yrs) who won the Provincial Juvenile Girls Long Track Championship title setting three new track records. Sara broke and set three new provincial records and skated at the Canadian Age Class Championships in Winnipeg where she placed 6th overall.

Alex Forbes (11yrs) and Gillian Michell (9yrs) took the most improved male and female award respectively. Gillian Michell was the gold medal champion at the southern regionals and moved up from a regional 2 skater to a regional 1 skater.

Calvin Forbes (10yrs) won the most improved mini meet award and Alexander Willis (7 yrs) took the Rookie of the Year award.

Special recognition was given to Tim Mburu (8yrs) who moved from a R1 skater to a provincial skater this season.

Volunteer of the Year Award went to Mark Pederson who looks after the equipment needs plus many other roles in the club.

Josie Spence (16yrs) was awarded the Sportsmanship Award for her initiative during practices to assist the coaches with warm up drills and technical demonstrations and assist younger members who are new to the club. She is also a very accomplished speed skater herself and sets an excellent example for other skaters in the sport.

Other season highlights for the River City Racers Club included hosting their fifth annual Polarthon (winter triathlon) and fourth Logan Lake LOop events (long track speed skating event) out at Logan Lake in January. The club also just recently hosted Gold Medal Olympian Denny Morrison and his National Team member brother Jay Morrison. Skater Tori Spence was a finalist in the Sport BC Athlete of the Year Awards and won the Kamloops Sports Council Female Athlete of the Year. Mom, Cathy Turnbull Spence, was an honored recipient of the Kamloops Spirit Scarf and Josie Spence was a very proud Olympic Torch bearer as this 2010 Olympic symbol passed through Kamloops in January.

A special moment of reflection was recognized during the club ceremonies, in the memory of Lisa Van Shie Wynne who passed away Saturday, April 24. Lisa courageously battled cancer for the past eight years. Lisa was one of the founding members of the River City Racers and one of their original speed skating coaches.

Skating practices with the River City Racers will resume in late September 2010. Training opportunities are already around the corner for next season with a regional training and testing camp set for Kelowna this May 15 – 16 and an off ice dry land camp set for speed skaters (and their parents) in Kamloops on June 13.

Lisa Van Shie-Wynne

River City Racers Speed Skating Club members have many, many fond memories of Lisa Van Shie-Wynne, a founding club member and one of the original speed skating coaches. Lisa passed away peacefully in her Lac Le Jeune home on Saturday, April 24th after a courageous 8-year battle with cancer. She was 44 years old.

Lisa was a Kamloops medical doctor and a World Master Cross Country skier and passionate about family, sports, community, and healthy living. She taught us so much and we will all miss her.

In the photo are left to right back row – Lisa Van Shie-Wynne, Sara Spence, Eric Spence, and left to right front row – Evan Wynne, Tori Spence, Josie Spence, and Foster Wynne. It was taken in 2005 in front of the skating oval on Lac Le Jeune with some of the original River City Racers. This was the club's first long track oval and was created through the efforts of Lisa and her husband Andrew.

The service will be held at the Holy Family Parish on Monday, May 3rd at 1:00pm.

A day with the Morrison Brothers

We had a very special day with Denny and Jay Morrison on April 11, 2010.  Photographer Kevin Bogetti-Smith captured some great moments! Click the image to view the web album.

A Day With The Morrison Brothers

Olympic & World Champion Speed Skaters Set to Visit Kamloops

Kamloops, B.C.: River City Racers speed skating club has just landed a golden opportunity and is inviting the entire community to take part.

“We’re so thrilled to announce that speed skating brothers Denny and Jay Morrison will be coming to Kamloops this Sunday, April 11, 2010 for an event that’s free to the public,” says Cathy Turnbull‐Spence, Head Coach and Coaching Coordinator of the River City Racers. “With the City of Kamloops’ support, it’s our hope to share the passion we have as a group for speed skating to others, and what a way to showcase the sport with the Morrison brothers.”

Jay Morrison is a 6 year Canadian National Team member and 2009 World Cup Title holder, while his younger brother Denny is fresh off a Gold Medal win at the Vancouver 2010 Olympics in the Team Pursuit. Both brothers grew up in Fort St. John and are excited to come to Kamloops to show an entire new generation how rewarding and fun speed skating is.

“The brothers will join us for a public event at the McArthur Island Sports Complex on Sunday and then we’ll be touring some local schools on the Monday,” says Turnbull‐Spence. “It will be exciting for kids and adults to learn more about this sport, which since the Olympic coverage, has sparked new interest.”

Of interest at the public event, will be a dignitary race featuring an 11 year old River City Racer skater who is the 2010 Canadian champion along with an 8 year old River City Racer skater who is the 2010 Provincial champion and broke two of Denny’s 16 year old Peewee Age Class Provincial records this year!

FREE Public Event

Sunday, April 11, 2010 

McArthur Island Sports Complex Curling Club Lounge ‐ 2:00 – 3:00pm – speeches and autograph opportunities 

(kids can get a FREE souvenir autograph card) 

McArthur Island Sports Complex Ice Sheet ‐ 3:00 – 5:00pm – Jay & Denny Morrison on ice with local skating clubs 

More Information Contact

Cathy Turnbull–Spence | Cell: 250‐571‐5342 | cmturnbull‐spence@shaw.ca

This event proudly presented by River City Racers and the City of Kamloops ‐ Canada's Tournament Capital

Meet Denny and Jay Morrison!

Vancouver 2010 Olympic Gold Medalist Denny Morrison and his brother Jay Morrison are coming to Kamloops!

The Kamloops River City Racers will be hosting the Morrison brothers during their visit. This is an opportunity for speed skating enthusiasts to meet Denny and Jay, get some autographs, and have a picture taken with an Olympic Gold medal! You will hear about their journey to the National Team and Olympic Podium and keeping fun in the sport.

All members of the River City Racers and River City Racers ‘learn to’ skaters are welcome to join the Morrison brothers on the ice. Other speed skating clubs have also been invited to attend so we can demonstrate some team drills and games on ice for the public.


When:
Sunday April 11, 2010

Where:
McArthur Island Park Sports Centre Arena. The 'meet and greet' will be held in the Curling Lounge, and we will use the international sized ice surface for skating activities.

Schedule:
2:00 – 3:00: Meet and Greet

3:00 – 3:15: Celebrity race!! Maybe Mayor Milobar and the Blazers Digger will try out speed skates in a fun race against our club’s very own 11 year old 2010 Canadian Champion and 8 year old 2010 provincial champion. :-)

3:15 – 5:00: Club skaters will join the Morrisons on the ice. Denny and Jay will demonstrate some of their favourite skating drills and games on ice, as well as the ‘team’ approach to speed skating competition. They will also review the skill of starting and shooting the blade at the finish!

For information contact Cathy Turnbull Spence, Kamloops River City Racers Speed Skating Club Coaching Coordinator at speedskatingkamloops@shaw.ca or 250 374 5430.

Photo from Life.com

For BCSSA member clubs: Skate at the Richmond Oval!

photo by janusz l

 

A Truly Memorable Once in a Lifetime Event!

One final chance to skate on the ice at the Richmond Oval!

The City of Richmond is offering the speed skating community one last opportunity to skate on the long track ice at the Richmond Oval. The event will be on Saturday, April 3rd between 10:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

THE RULES:

1. The event is by invitation only through BCSSA and our clubs.
2. Only speed skates are allowed.
3. Speed skating helmets are permitted in addition to certified bicycle helmets.
4. Cost is $2.00 per person and parking will be $2.00
5. No rental skates are available at the oval.
6. Any skaters must be members of BCSSA member clubs. (Special Event registration will suffice) Families are most welcome.

Congratulations to Matej and Anneke

River City Racers Skater skates to Provincial Title and breaks Denny Morrison’s records in the process!

Matej Pederson (8yrs), a member of the Kamloops River City Racers Speed Skating Club raced to two new provincial records and the provincial championship title in Peewee Boys division at the Provincial Short Track Championships in Dawson Creek over the weekend. Matej’s provincial records came in the 333m with a new time of 41.14 (old time 41.53) and in the 222m with a new provincial record time of 27.92 (old time 27.99). Of interesting note these provincial records that Matej just broke have been held since 1994 (i.e. held for 16 years!!) and were set by Denny Morrison – member of Canada’s Olympic team and gold medalist at the Olympics in Vancouver last month!

Matej skated to personal bests in all distances skated. In addition to the above two distances he set personal bests in his 111m (14.92) and 500m (1:04.51) event.

Sister Anneke Pederson (15 yrs) competed in the Juvenile girls division placed 3rd in the 500m (51.92) and 3rd in the 666m (1:07.91) event, 4th in the 1000m (1;48.38) race and 5th in the 777m.(1:21.86) All times skated were personal bests for Anneke. From this competition Anneke qualified to compete at the National Age Class Short Track Championships in Cambellton, New Brunswick March 27 and 28th.

Results - BC Winter Games

Congratulations to our club’s BC Winter Games Athletes – Anneke Pederson, Sara Spence, and Josie Spence! All three participated in the short track speed skating action in Terrace, BC over the weekend.

Sara Spence - photo by Kevin Bogetti-Smith

Anneke and Sara came home with a gold medal in the Juvenile mixed relay along with Chris Nekov of Kelowna and Dominc Villeneuve from the Long Blades. Sara also skated to an individual gold medal in the 777m event and silver medal performances in the 500m, 666m, and 1000m events. Anneke qualifed for 3 of the 4 A finals (finals for medals) placing 4th in the 666m, 5th in the 777m and 6th in the 1000m event. Josie Spence picked up a gold medal in the Junior mixed relay along with three Kelowna skaters and won an individual gold in the 777m event. Josie also skated to a silver medal in the 1500m, a bronze medal in the 500m and a fourth place finish in the 1000m A final.

Congratulations and good luck to Anneke and Matej Pederson who will be competing in the Provincial Short Track competition in Dawson Creek this weekend.

Coaching at the BC Winter Games

This photo of coach Cathy Turnbull-Spence giving tips to Sarah Spence at the BC Winter Games in Terrace was passed along by Kevin Bogetti-Smith. Today is the final day of the events. You can search on the results as they become available here.

Bring a Friend Nite

From River City Racers Web Album

‘Bring A Friend Nite’ was a big success! We had 50 plus out on the ice.

Thanks the coaches who helped make the event a success, and a special thanks to Mark for fitting so many into speed skates for the evening.

Our mini Olympic theme went well!

• Stacie assisted at the ‘Luge’ venue
• Brian ‘Hockey’
• Eric ‘Biathlon’
• Josie 'Figure Skating’
• Anneke ‘Parallel Snowboard Cross’
• Diana ‘Curling’
• Sara ‘Ski Jump’
• Mark ‘Speed Skating’

Speed Skating Results: Southern Regionals

Congratulations to all the skaters who competed at the Southern Regionals this past weekend in Kamloops!

Alexander W. won a silver medal skating personal best times in all of his distances. He came second in every race. Alexander smashed his pb's.

Gillian won a gold medal skating personal best times in all of her distances. She skated to 2 first place finishes and 2 place finishes. Gillian took off up to 5 1/2 seconds off of her previous times.

Calvin skated to a 7th place finish skating personal best times in 3 distances (222, 333, and 666), taking off up to 3 seconds off his previous times. 222 - 4th place, 333 - 5th place, 500m - 9th place, 666m - 7th place.

Alex skated to a 5th place finish skating to a personal best time in the 777m removing 6 seconds off of his previous personal best time.

Anneke Pederson and Sara and Josie Spence will be competing at the BC winter games this week!

Terrace 2010 BC Winter Games

The Terrace 2010 BC Winter Games will be held March 4-7. Congratulations to River City Racers' Anneke Pederson, Sara Spence, and Josie Spence for making this team!

Bring a Friend Nite

TUESDAY MARCH 2

4:30 – 5:15pm 

ICE BOX SKATING ARENA

Come for a fun skate, exercise, and join in our Mini Olympic Games! Bring your family too....

• Get your picture taken with an Olympic torch bearer!
• Bring your favourite munchies to share
• Beverages will be provided
• Bring helmet, gloves (a neck guard and shin pads are recommended, if you have them)
• Wear long-sleeves and pants

If you would like to try speed skates please contact Mark Pederson by Feb 28th at mjpederson@shaw.ca. There is no cost for this event.

Practice times this week

There have been a couple changes to the speed skating practice times for this week:

1. Thursday, February 11 practice will begin at 4:30pm, and all skaters will be on the ice at the same time.
2. Friday, February 12 practice is cancelled.

Results from this weekend

Eric Spence, 11 years and a member of the River City Racers Speed Skating Club was crowned the new Midget Boys Canadian Champion at the Canadian Age Class Long Track Speed Skating Championships in Winnipeg over the weekend. Eric swept all four distances he skated in receiving gold medals for each of his performances in 300m, 500m, 800m and 1000m events. Eric set a new provincial record in the 1500m with a time of 1:50. 25. The old record was 1:52.96. Eric set new personal best times in the 500m, 800m, and 1000m races.

Sister Sara, 14 years, competed in the Juvenile girls division and set 4 new personal best times. She placed first in the 1000m and 1500m B finals and 5th and 6th respectively in the 300m and 500m A finals. Sara finished 6th overall in her age category.

In other action over the weekend several racers were competing in the Vernon interclub short track competition. Calvin Forbes won the bantam boys 333m event, brother Alex set a personal best in the 333m event, Matej Pederson and Tim Mburu finished with the gold and silver medal respectively in the PeeWee boys division. In the girls divisions Anneke Pederson finished with the silver medal in Juvenile girls and Gillian Michell took the bronze medal in Bantam girls.

Results from this weekend

Tori Spence (17 yrs) of the Kamloops River City Racers Speed Skating Club came home with a bronze medal finish at the Junior National Speed Skating Championships in Saskatoon over the weekend. Tori’s bronze came in the 3000m event setting a new provincial record with a time of 4:53.71. The old record was 5:04.66. Tori set provincial records in two of her other distances. In the 1500m she placed 5th with a record time of 2:18.26 (2:21.81 old record) and 7th in the 1000m in a record time of 1:29.01 (old record 1:31.42). She placed 11th in the 500m with a new personal best time of 45.08sec.

Tori placed 5th overall at this Championships. The 5 top skaters are in contention for a spot at the World Junior Championships to be held in Russia later this season. Only the top two skaters from this competition were officially named to the World team. The next three spots will be officially decided at the North American Championships in Salt Lake City February 12 – 14th.

Also in action in Saskatoon was sister Josie Spence (15 years) who skated to a 13th place overall ranking with an 8th place, and her best individual finish, coming in the 3000m event. Josie set personal bests in all of her distances skated.

Speed Skating Results

Tori (17) and sister Josie (15), members of the Kamloops River City Racers Speed Skating club, placed first and second respectively in the Junior Women’s Olympic Style category at the Provincial Long Track Speed Skating Championships held in Fort St. John over the weekend. Sara (14) and brother Eric (11) both claimed the provincial championship title in their respective age class category, juvenile girls and midget boys. This event was the first skating competition held at the newly opened indoor 400m skating oval in Fort St. John. Tori and Eric each established 4 new track records and Sara established three new records in their racing categories.

Tori and Josie have both qualified to compete at the Junior National/Canada Cup 2 olympic style long track speed skating championships in Saskatoon this coming weekend. The top juniors from this event will represent Canada at the Junior Worlds event in Russia. Sara and Eric qualified to compete at the Canadian Age Class Championships to be held in Winnipeg on February 6 and 7. Other club skaters will be taking part in a short track interclub event in Vernon on February 6th.

Alberta Long Track Results

River City Racers Sara Spence (14 yrs)skated to three provincial records and four personal best times on the weekend at the Alberta Long Track Speed Skating competition in Calgary. Sara was competing in the Juvenile female category and placed second overall with new provincial records in three of the distances she skated: 43.95 in the 500m (old record 44.22); 1:29.64 in the 1000m (old record 1:30.12) and 2:19.51 in the 1500m (old record 2:19.86).

Sara's brother Eric (11 yrs) placed first in each of his four distances capturing the overall gold medal in the midget boys division. Eric set four new personal best times and set a new provincial record in the 1000m with a new time of 1:39.23 (old record 1:44.20).

The next competition for the River City Racers is the Provincial Long Track Championships in Fort St. John this coming weekend. This will be the first championships held in their new indoor long track oval that was completed earlier this season.

Intact Speed Skating Challenge

The deadline to submit a video for the Intact Speed Skating Challenge is January 17th! This is the Third Annual Search to Find Canada's Best Speed Skating Story. River City Racer Tori Spence was the runner up in last year's competition for her video "Owen's Oval".

Along with Catriona Le May Doan, we're searching for Canada's best speed skating story. We're looking for hilarious, inspirational, action-packed, and just plain fun videos from skaters telling us about the person who inspired them to go beyond, both on and off the ice. And even if you don't have a story (and we doubt that), you can still vote for your favourites.

Check it out for yourself at http://www.intactspeedskatingchallenge.com/

And if you know of a skater, or fan of skating that would enjoy the Intact Speed Skating Challenge, please let them know what's going on.

Sincerely,
The Intact Speed Skating Challenge Team

2010 Polarthon Results

Here is the full breakdown of 2010 Polarthon results:

INDIVIDUAL

MEN
Greg Timewell - 1st 45.54
Chris Wenger (Team Foolish) - 2nd 49.01

WOMEN
Yvonne Timewell 1st 48.17

YOUTH
Eric Spence (Little Green Frog) 1st 55.35

TEAM

MEN
Brad and Darren Clark (Oilers) 1st 41.16

FAMILY
Tiffany Hornbeck and Max and Axel Hansen 1st 1:08.24
Shawn and Ethan Wenger (Terhes Talus?) 2nd 1:20.52
Lea and Dwayne Geiger and Lisa and Larura 3rd 1:27.46

MIXED
Matt Deny and Cathy and Sara Spence 1st 48.04

No practice Thursday

Due to a scheduling conflict there is no practice Thursday, January 15th.

2010 Polarthon

There were some impressive finishes in Sunday's Polarthon Challenge at Logan Lake, a winter triathlon that includes skating, cross county skiing, and running.

• Brad and Darren Clark in the men’s team event clocked the fastest time of the event in 41 minutes and 16 seconds
• Greg Timewell was the first individual man to complete the course in 45.54
• Yvonee Timewell was the top individual female finisher in 48.17
• Eric Spence (11 years of age) completed the course in 55.35 to win the Junior individual division
• In the team category Matt Deny and Cathy and Sara Spence won the mixed team event in 48.04
• A mother and son team of Shawn and Ethan Wenger won the family category in 1:20.52

Eric Spence won the best costume trophy as the ‘little green frog’.

Logan Lake LOop

The Logan Lake LOop drew speed skaters from 9 clubs across Southern British Columbia. The River City Racers Club narrowly squeaked by the Kelowna Speed Skating Club for top honours accumulating the most club points throughout the competition and winning the River City Cup Trophy.

Gold

• Matej Pederson - Peewee boys
• Gillian Michell - Bantam Girls
• Eric Spence - Midget boys
• Anneke Pederson and Sara Spence tied for top honors - Juvenile girls
• Stacie Coder - Senior women
• Brian Wallace - Master 1 males
  

Silver

• Tim Mburu - Peewee boys
• Calvin Forbes - Bantam boys
• Reed McIlwain - Midget boys

Bronze

• Alexander Willis - Peewee boys

Fourth Place

• Alex Forbes - Midget boys 

Following the LOop was a an open 100m challenge and a relay event.

Preparing for an outdoor competition

With the Logan Lake LOop coming up this weekend, here are some tips to prepare for an outdoor competition:

What to bring:

• Extra socks for skating
• Water bottle -- you still need to be hydrated even though this is an outdoor event
• Appropriate footwear to stay dry
• Skate sharpening equipment if you have it
• Rags for drying skates
• Warm clothes for when you are not skating
• Consider hot paws for those that don't like cold

What to wear:

• A neck warmer, toque and mitts. The mitts should be ones that don't absorb water quickly
• Long johns under the skin suit
• Do not have any skin showing including the ankles
  

No Speed Limit Radar Event

How fast can you skate? Come out to Owen's Oval (on the lake near the camp) at Logan Lake on January 10th to find out! Starting at 11:30 RCMP officers will be using their radar guns to track your speed and hand out speeding tickets.

The River City Racers club was successful in the recent call for proposals for Speed Skating Canada's Festivals on Ice, a program to encourage speed skating clubs and community groups across the country to host local events that encourage the general public to join them for a day of skating. It's an opportunity for people of all ages to come together in a fun, safe, and welcoming environment to experience the pure joy of skating in its many forms. So lace up your hockey, figure or speed skates and come out to Logan Lake this weekend!

Learn to Skate

The Kamloops River City Racers Learn to Skate Program begins January 12, 2010. We meet every Tuesday for 8 weeks from 4:30 – 5:15 pm at the Ice Box Arena. This program is for skaters of all ages.

To register contact Cathy @ 250-374-5430 or speedskatingkamloops@shaw.ca

Still time to register for Polarthon!

Logan Lake LOop

From River City Racers

The 4th Annual Logan Lake Loop Invitational Long Track competition is fast approaching! Experience Speed Skating as it used to be -- outdoors on natural ice! The purpose of this event is to give southern skaters exposure to outdoor long track skating without having to travel great distances. Our goal is to provide a friendly and fun event with fast ice.

When: January 9, 2010
Where: Owen's Oval (on Logan Lake)
Hosted by: Kamloops River City Racers Speed Skating Club
Meet Coordinator: Diana Coder 250 374 3719
Entry Fee: $25.00 Peewee and up. Cradles $15.00. Please bring on cheque per club, and all meet entry forms together at registration. 
Entry Closing Date: 8:00 pm, Monday January 4th, 2010. E-mail list of registrants to speedskatingkamloops@shaw.ca (one excel spreadsheet/club)
Eligible skaters: Cradle to Masters 
Seed Time: Midgets and down 333m, Juvenile and up 500m, Cradles 111m
Format: Age Class. If there is less than 4 skaters in an age class these skaters will be combined with the closest age class of the same gender but not to exceed 7 on a line. Skaters in these combined divisions will continue to receive points based on their registered age class. If there is more than 7 skaters in an age class heats will be skated. Only the top 6 skaters will advance to the final.

Races will start with the Pee Wee Division and work up. Cradles will be skated around 12:30 or just before lunch. We hope to run three distances for each skater and include the fourth and longest distance if time permits.

Schedule of Events
8:00 – 8:30 Registration
9:00 Coaches and Officials Meeting
9:15 – 9:45 Skater's Warm-up
10:00 – 4:30 Racing
12:30 – 1:00 Lunch (Officials go to Curling Rink)
4:30 – 5:00 Award presentation