Kamloops River City Racers Speed Skating Club

Results from Calgary, January 5-8

2012-01-17T08:02:00.000-08:00

Results from Calgary Canadian Single Distance Championship and Canada Cup #2

Tori Spence of the Kamloops River City Racers qualified for her second World Cup this season. She placed 4th in the 5k Canadian single distance Championships in Calgary which earned her a spot on the World Cup team to Hamar, Norway on February 11 and 12th.

In the Canada Cup competition, Josie Spence finished at the top of the leader board setting a personal best time of 1:21.1.

Sara Spence finished in 15th spot. This is the first time Sara has qualified for a Canadian single distance championship.

Logan Lake Events Cancelled

2012-01-05T21:03:00.000-08:00

Unfortunately, the weather is not cooperating for this year's Logan Lake LOop and Polarthon. Due to warm temperatures and poor ice conditions we have decided to cancel the events this Saturday, January 7, 2012.

Thanks to everyone who registered, volunteered, practiced, and helped to promote the events. All of your efforts will be put to good use in the future!

Countdown to LOop and Polarthon

2011-12-19T06:43:00.000-08:00

CANCELLED DUE TO WARM WEATHER AND POOR ICE CONDITIONS

Ice preparation is underway for a great season at Owen's Oval at Logan Lake. It should be in fine shape for our upcoming events on January 7th. Sign up or just come out to watch!

1. Logan Lake LOop
2. Polarthon

2012 Logan Lake LOop Invitational Long Track

2011-11-29T05:57:00.001-08:00

January 7th, 2012

Hosted by: Kamloops River City Racers Speed Skating Club

Experience Speed Skating as it use to be and....no shoveling required

Welcome to the 6th Annual Long Track Invitational Speed Skating event for Southern BC. The purpose of this event is to give southern skaters exposure to outdoor long track skating without having to travel great distances (of course northern skaters are also welcome). Our goal is to provide a friendly and fun event with fast ice. Please be patient with us as this is an outdoor event, held on natural ice, and dependent on the weather and volunteers.

We hope to run three events for each skater and a forth, weather permitting as this is an outdoor event.

Dress warmly and in layers. Helmet, neck guard, shin and knee pads are not mandatory. Please ensure that no skin is showing.

Location: Logan Lake – on the Lake (Owen’s Oval)

Time: warm up 8:00am – 8:20am; racing 8:30am – 1:00pm

Medical: First Aid – St. John’s

Sanction: Safety standards per BCSSA

MEET ENTRIES: List of registrants must be emailed to longblades@hotmail.com by 8:00pm Monday January 2nd. An excel spreadsheet is available for registrars to submit your entries by email. Registration is limited to 120 skaters on a first come, first served basis. All others will be placed on a waiting list.

Seed Time: Fundamental Skaters and up (age 6 and up) 300m, 16+ and up 500m, Cradles 100m; please use best times from short track for consistency

Entry Fee: $27.00 Fundamental Skaters and up (age 6 and up). $17.00 Active Start (under 6) One cheque per club please.

Registration: Owen’s Oval, Logan Lake, BC

Eligible skaters: Active Start to Master

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.

Officials: Needed. Please contact Diana Coder at longblades@hotmail.com or at (250) 374 - 3719 if you can help officiate or volunteer for this event.

Races will start with the Active Start to Masters.

Athletic BIBS will be provided for each skater to wear while racing. Please return these bibs at the end of the competition.

SCHEDULE:
General registration: 7:45 am – 8:00 am (Owen’s Oval)
Coaches and officials meeting: 8:00 am – 8:15 am (Owen’s Oval)
Skaters' Warm Up: 8:00 am – 8:20am (Owen’s Oval)
Racing: 8:30 am – 1:00 pm (Owen’s Oval)
Lunch – Officials only: 1:00 pm – 1:30 pm (Curling Rink – upstairs)
Awards presentation: 1:30 (Owen’s Oval) approximate time

Lunch and Awards presentations are approximate times.

ACCOMMODATION:
Logan Lake - Copper Valley Motor Inn
(includes restaurant – 500 meters from the LOop) 19 Apex, Logan Lake
To reserve phone: 250-523-9433

Merritt – Econo-lodge, 2201 Voght, Merritt
To reserve phone: 250-378-4291

Various other motel/hotels in Kamloops (approximately 35 minutes from Logan Lake, BC).

For more information please contact:
Meet Coordinator: Diana Coder 250 374 3719 (longblades@hotmail.com)

View and download this information and entry form.

Time to form your teams and register for the 2012 Polarthon

2011-11-27T17:43:00.001-08:00

It's time to register for the 2012 Polarthon!

View / download the brochure and entry form. Here's one in black and white if you don't want to waste printer ink. Register by mail, in person, or online and pay on the event day.

When: January 7, 2012 | 2pm
Where: Owen's Oval, Logan Lake Campground
What: Team -- 3 km skate, 2.5 km run, 4 km ski (any style), 2.5 km run

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2012 Polarthon

2011-11-23T19:05:00.001-08:00

Plan to participate in the 2012 Polarthon to be held January 7, 2012 at Logan Lake! This is an annual fun event suitable for teams of all ages and skill levels. All you need to do is skate, ski, and run... oh and crazy costumes are also encouraged. More information will be available soon!

October Chill Short Track Event

2011-10-30T19:40:00.000-07:00

There were many club firsts at the October Chill Short Track event held in Kamloops over the weekend. Tim Mburu finished first overall in division 1, while Sara Spence won her division 4. Eric Spence qualifed for each primary final in division 3. Other skaters that won heats within their divisions were Li and Luukas Dong, James Waterman, Margaret Jean and Alexander Willis, Finn Bogetti-Smith and Josie Spence. Personal best times were skated by Alexander and Margaret Jean Willis and Roman Hessel. Establishing times for their first time racing were: AJ Timewell, Finn Bogetti-Smith, Mia, Li and Luukas Dong and James Waterman.

The next competition for the Racers is the BC Cup in Prince George November 12 and 13.

Tori Spence qualifies to compete in her first World Cup event

2011-10-30T19:22:00.000-07:00

October 30 – CalgaryTori Spence of the River City Racers Speed Skating Club, (and beginning her second season of skating at the Calgary Olympic Oval), qualified for her first World Cup Speed Skating event and is off to Heerenveen later this month. Tori competed in the World Cup Trials which were held in Calgary over the weekend. This was the first time Tori qualified to participate in the world cup trials and was entered in three events - the 1500m, 3000m, and 5000m. The top 5 women in each distance qualify to race at the Fall World Cups. Tori placed 8th in the 1500m, setting a new provincial record and personal best time of 2:03.00. In both the 3k and 5k events she placed 4th. Tori secured a world cup spot in the 5k event. Because two skaters requested a buy in the 3k event it is as yet undecided which skaters will be named to participate in the world cup 3k events.

September Schedule

2011-09-22T13:22:00.000-07:00

Check the River City Racers Calendar of Events for updates to our fall schedule.

Thursday, 22 September

Registration and skate fitting

When: Thu, 22 September, 16:00 – 18:30

Where: McArthur Arena - main lobby

Description: Registration and skate fitting

Friday, 23 September

Practice: Skate Fast + others

When: Fri, 23 September, 06:30 – 07:30

Where: McArthur Island Arena

Description: This practice is mainly for Skate Fast skaters but skate skills and skate masters welcome if can’t make a Tuesday or Thursday practice.

Sunday, 25 September

Club Coaching Clinic

When: Sun, 25 September, 15:00 – 16:00

Where: McArthur Island Arena

Description: For any parent or oder skater interested in helping out on the ice this season

Tuesday, 27 September

Practice: Open to everyone

When: Tue, 27 September, 16:15 – 17:15

Where: Ice Box Arena

Description This is the first training session at the Ice Box – open to everyone except the skaters in the Learn to Skate and Skate Fun program.

Thursday, 29 September

Practice: Skate Fast, Skate Skills, and Masters

When: Thu, 29 September, 16:15 – 17:15

Where: Ice Box Arena

Skate Fun and Learn to Skate

When: Thu, 29 September, 17:15 – 18:00

Description: Skate Fun and first Learn to Skate session

Friday, 30 September

Practice: Skate Fast

When: Fri, 30 September, 06:30 – 07:30

Where: McArthur Island Arena

Description: Skate Fast (Skate skills and skate masters welcome if can’t make a Tuesday or Thursday practice)

Nelson Mini Meet

2011-09-20T20:41:00.000-07:00

Nelson is pleased to announce its second annual meet!

This is a non-sanctioned event.
ALL age classes from cradle to Masters are welcome.
All age classes will race in the classic “flight” format (oldest to youngest)
Races will be on the 111m or 100m track depending on the age group.
Everyone will be guaranteed 4 races.
If there is enough time at the end we will feature additional races. Last year everyone completed 7 races each!!
Entry fees are $10.00 per Skater.

This is Nelson’s second locally hosted meet, we hope to make this an annual event and turn it into a sanctioned meet. We encourage Athletes of all ages to enter, and hope this will be a meet the entire Family can participate in and enjoy.

Location

District Community Complex, Nelson | map

Accommodation

Prestige Inn Nelson, 1301 Front Street Nelson, Ph. (250) 352-3595, $79.95- Special Rateplus applicable taxes per night per room, 12% HST, 2% MST not included.
Alpine Motel and suites, 1120 Hall Mines Road, Nelson, 1-888-356-2233, call for rates, kitchen suites available.

Send entries to:
Jason Hartleb
hartleb@telus.net
Home: 250-365-8402

Entries should be in by Tuesday Morning, October 11th so everyone can be seeded.Seed Times:300M for L2T and younger (100M track)400M for T2T (100M track)500M Junior and upIf your athlete does not have times for these distances, please indicate the distance you are providing the time for.Thank you and the Nelson SpeedSkating Club is looking forward to putting on a great meet.

Jason Hartleb
Head Coach
Nelson Speed Skating Club

Time to Skate!

2011-09-06T15:45:00.000-07:00

From River City Racers Web Album

Speed skating is starting up soon! We'll kick off the season with a free skate on Saturday, September 17, 10am at McArthur Arena. Come out for a warm up or to try speed skating for the first time.

Here is a list of programs we offer. We're busy updating the scheduling details.

Children’s Learn to Skate - $75.00 - must be at least 5 years of age. A learn to skate program for the beginner skater. Focus will be on fundamental movement skills on skates, ie balance, skating stride, stopping, starting,corner cross overs and agility. Skills taught through games. Report cards and achievement pins awarded1X week McArthur Arena - Thursdays 5:15 - 6pm

Skate Fun - for the skater who is past the beginner stage and wants to be further challenged on skating skills.1X week - McArthur Arena - Thursdays 4:00 - 5:15pm

Skate Skills - for the beginning competitive racer or recreational skater that would like more ice time 2X week - McArthur Arena - Thursdays 4 - 5:15 and Tuesdays at the Ice Box

Skate Fast - for the competitive racer 3X week - Tuesdays, Thursdays and Friday morning (6:30 - 7:45am - McArthur)

Skate Masters - either Friday morning and/or Tuesday evening TBA

For more information please contact Cathy Spence at 250 374 5430

RCR AGM and Awards Ceremony

2011-04-15T21:12:00.000-07:00

From 2011 AGM and Award Ceremony

Josie Spence captured top honors at the Kamloops River City Racers Club Awards Ceremony on Sunday. Josie was presented with the ‘Skater of the Year’ trophy for a stellar competitive season. Josie was the only skater in BC to qualify for both the long track and short track speed skating team for the Canada Winter Games in Halifax. She chose long track and raced to two medal performances. She captured an individual bronze medal in the 3000m race and a gold medal, and new Canada Games record, in the team pursuit event. She qualified for both the Junior National Short Track and Long Track and ranked in the top 10 for both. She also qualified for the Canadian single distance in the 3000m event.

Other members awarded for their efforts this season were as follows:

Margaret Jean Willis and Roman Hessel were presented with the Female and Male (respectively) Club Skater of the Year award.
Matej Pederson (regional boys champion) was awarded the Male Short Track award.
Eric Spence (Canadian age class champion) won the Male Long Track trophy.
Anneke Pederson was named the Female Short Track Skater (silver medals at provincials and Canada West)
Sara Spence (Canadian age class champion) was presented with the Female Long Track award.
Conny Forbes and Diana Coder took top honors in the ‘Volunteer of the Year’ category.

Medals were given to all club skaters that raced in a competition this season. In all, 40 medals were awarded noting the skater’s fastest racing times achieved, in kilometers per hour. Skaters personal bests ranged from 2 KPM to 44.9 KPH.

The Racers will be holding inline skating clinics throughout the summer. If you are interested in inline skating or skating with the Racers in the fall please visit our blog site at speedskatingkamloops.blogspot.com or call 250 374 5430 for more information.

Canada West Short Track Championships

2011-03-27T17:55:00.000-07:00

March 27, 2011

Eric Spence of the Kamloops River City Racers Speed Skating Club came home with two gold medals, two new personal best times and a second place overall finish in the 12 year old male division at the Canada West Short Track Championships this weekend in Kelowna. His gold medals came in the 10 minute event and the 3000m points race. He raced to personal best times in the 400m with a new time of 41.55 and a 4th place finish, and in the 100m he placed 5th with a time of 12.08 sec.

Team mates that also qualified for this event were sister Sara who finished 3rd overall in the 14 year old female category with two bronze medals, one silver medal and two personal best times and Anneke Pederson who finished 4th overall in the same age category with one silver and one bronze medal finish and two personal best times. Sara’s silver medal came in the 500m event with a new personal best time of 51.94. Bronze medal finishes came in the 3000m points race and the 100m distance where she set a personal best time of 12.14 sec. Anneke’s silver medal came in the 100m with a new personal best of 11.98 sec and her bronze medal was in the 500m event with a personal best time of 52.42. Anneke placed 6th in the 3000m points race and 4th in the 1500m event.

In the interprovincial team relay event Sara and Anneke combined with Emile Medland of Kelowna and Kaitlin Holtby of Port Coquitlam to finish second to the Alberta girls team. Eric’s relay team also won the silver medal in their category. Team members on this relay, in addition to Eric, were Alexander Chizawsky of Abbotsford, Cormac Chui of Burnaby and Ben Maxfield of Fort St. John. They came second to the 13 year old BC provincial team.

The Canada West Short Track Championships drew the fastest skaters aged 11 to 15yrs from Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, BC and NWT. This is the highest level of short track competition for this age group and the last competition for the Racers for the 2010-2011 season.

Canada Cup #4

2011-03-18T18:11:00.000-07:00

March 18, 2011

Calgary – Tori Spence (18yrs) of the Kamloops River City Racers Speed Skating Club set two new provincial records at her final competition of the season – Canada Cup #4 being held in Calgary this week and weekend. This is an international competition with up to a field of 70 skaters (junior and senior combined) in each distance. (Tori is still a junior skater)

Tori set personal best times in all three of the three distances she has raced so far and two were fast enough to also set new provincial records. New provincial records came in the 3000m with a time of 4:16.19 – the old record was 4:19.35 set by Tori earlier this season. In the 5000m Tori smashed her old time of 7:42.09 setting a new provincial record of 7:16.44 which also was less than a second off the Canadian junior record of 7:15.56. Tori was the second place finisher out of the Canadian skaters who raced this distance.

Tori also set a new personal best time of 41.76 in the 500m distance – her previous time being 41.98. Tori is scheduled to race the 1000m on Saturday and the 1500m on Sunday.

RCR skaters - fantastic performance at recent events!

2011-03-14T18:14:00.000-07:00

Monday March 14, 2011

Matej Pederson (9yrs) of the Kamloops River City Racers Speed Skating Club picked up six first place finishes at the Funale meet in Vernon on Saturday. Tim Mburu (9 yrs) came home with two seconds, one third, two fifth and one 6th place finish. Siblings Margaret Jean (6yrs), Alexander (8 yrs) and Delray Willis (11yrs) were also in action at this competition. Margaret Jean skated to four first place and one 2nd place finish, Alexander had four second place and one fourth place finish and Delray raced to two second and two fourth place finishes. All skaters were skating in their respective age divisions.

In other action, the River City Racers came out on top in the Handicap 500m team competition. This regional event was held in Salmon Arm this weekend. River City won with 5235 points, Long Blades were second with 4375 points, in third was Salmon Arm 3110, Nelson with 360 points was fourth, and in fifth was Vernon with 240 points.

This event was organized by the Salmon Arm Club. Each skater raced a 500m and their individual time was compared to their personal best and then tabulated with other team member’s performances. River City Racers coach, Cathy Turnbull Spence stated ” This was a great initiative by Salmon Arm and a great way to build club team spirit. We had Canada Winter Games medalists entered along with first year skaters. Each contributed equally to the team results. In fact the younger skaters had a better chance of earning more points for the team”.

The River City Team was composed of Roman Hessel, Anneke and Matej Pederson, Margaret Jean, Alexander and Delray Willis, and Josie, Sara and Eric Spence.

The following is a quote from the Salmon Arm Coach, Mike Hall:

“ Congrats to the River City group, your club participation and enthusiasm serves as a lesson to us all. We will have your cup delivered to you on our next trip to Kamloops.”

Provincial Work Safe Short Track Championships

2011-03-08T13:45:00.000-08:00

Four River City Racers Speed Skaters competed at the Provincial Work Safe Short Track Championships on the weekend in Port Coquitlam and four skaters came home with medals. Sisters Sara (15 yrs) and Josie (17yrs) each skated to gold medal finishes and were crowned provincial champions in their respective age divisions. Brother Eric (12 yrs) and teammate Anneke Pederson (15 yrs) placed second in their respective age divisions and came home with silver provincial medal. Eric set three new personal best times while Sara and Anneke set personal best times in each of the four distances skated.

Based on these results, Eric, Sara and Anneke qualify to skate at the Western Regional Championships in Kelowna on March 26 and 27th. Josie qualifies to compete at the Canadian Championships in Montreal March 19 and 20th.

More medals!

2011-02-14T21:33:00.000-08:00

From 2011 Canada Winter Games

Tori Spence won a Gold medal today in the Long Track Speed Skating 3000m event. This is the first Gold medal for Team BC at the 2011 Canada Winter Games and Tori's third medal of the games. Josie Spence won the Bronze medal in the same race. Fantastic! We can't wait for the photos!

Second medal for Tori Spence

2011-02-13T12:40:00.000-08:00

Tori Spence won Bronze in the 1500m long track speed skating race today at 2011 Canada Winter Games. This is her second medal; yesterday, Tori won Team BC's first medal, also bronze, in the 1000m race.

There are more races to come! You keep up-to-date on the results of our River City Racers' skaters here:

The sun was shining and the wind was blowing, and for us watching from our living rooms we could her Tori and Josie's mom and coach, Cathy, cheering them on!

TSN2 appears to be the only television station covering the games, but you can follow the long track speed skating online.

Canada Winter Games in Halifax

2011-02-09T15:24:00.000-08:00

From River City Racers Web Album

RCR Speed Skating Club will be participating in the Canada Winter Games in Halifax! Tori and Josie Spence qualified to skate long track. In addition, Tori will be carrying the flag and leading the procession as Team B.C. enters the Halifax Metro Centre during the opening ceremonies on Friday evening. That's quite an honour and we're very proud!

The Canada Winter Games will take place February 11 - 27, 2011.

Owen's Oval

2011-01-23T17:40:00.000-08:00

Gathered around the new sign in memory of their dad, Owen Spence, is left to right: Sara, Eric, Josie, and Tori. During the Logan Lake LOop ceremony, the town unveiled a story board in memory of Owen on a permanent structure at Logan Lake near Owen's Oval.

Logan Lake LOop 2011

2011-01-16T09:49:00.000-08:00

The full results for the 2011 Logan Lake LOop have been published here. Congratulations again to all of the skaters!

Polarthon Results

2011-01-13T09:58:00.000-08:00

We had a great turn-out for this year's Polarthon! There were 12 teams (consisting of up to 4 members each) and 14 individual entries.

Gold medals were given out to the top performers as follows:

Fastest Male
Alex Seal - 42.18

Fastest Female
Yvonne Timewell - 48.07

Fastest Youth
The Buzzing Bee
Eric Spence - 58.43

Fastest Mixed Team
'How Hard Can It Be' - 52.22

Fastest Family Team
'Wiggers' - 48.05

Fastest Youth Team
'Pot of Gold' - 59.21
(comprised of Sara Spence and Anneke and Matej Pederson)

Complete results as follows from first to last finisher and category:
Alex Seal - 42.18 - first individual male
Gregg Timewell - 46.11 - second individual male
Team 'Wiggers' - 48.05 - first family team
Yvonne Timewell - 48.07 - first individual female
Team 'How Hard Can It Be' - 52.22 - first mixed team
Dan Robertson - 54.24 - third individual male
Dan Hill - 54.24 - Fourth individual male
Eric Spence (The Buzzing Bee) - 58.43 - first youth male
Team 'Pot of Gold' - 59.21 - first youth team
Maureen Scott - 59.58 - second individual female
Laurie Schultz - 1:03.01 - third individual female
Gary Link - 1;03.26 - fifth individual male
Ethan Wenger - 1:03.38 - second youth male
Nicholas Swank - 1:03.39 - third youth male
Shawn Wenger - 1:03.55 - fourth individual female
Team 'Banditos' - 1:04.41 - second family team
Team 'The Chicken and the Egg' - 1:05.10 - third family team
Barry Schultz - 1;06.09 -sixth individual male
Team 'Two Men and a Lady' - 1:06.48 - second mixed team
Howie Goodman - 1:09.57 - seventh individual male
Team 'The Tazers' - 1:11.38 - 5 way tie for third mixed team
Team ' Chafing the Dream' - 1:11.38
Team 'WII Not Fit' - 1:11.38
Team' Pole R Bears' - 1:11.38
Team 'Thugs and Slugs' - 1:11.38
Team 'Hobo' - 1:23.41 - fourth family team

Best Costume went to Team 'Hobo'.

Honorable mention to the Buzzing Bee.

photo courtesy of Kamloops Daily News

Logan Lake LOoP Results

2011-01-13T09:51:00.000-08:00

53 skaters registered from 7 clubs across the province (Kelowna, Salmon Arm, Vernon, Vancouver, Sechelt, Long Blades and Kamloops River City Racers). Each participant raced in four individual races and two team events. Final ranking was based on cumulated points from the 4 individual races. Team events included a mass 100m sprint, parlof relays for Division 5 and down and pursuits for division 6 and up. These team events were for fun and experience. Teams were not necessarily composed of skaters from the same club.

Results for the River City Racers as follows:

Gold medal winners
Margaret Jean Willis - Division 1
Matej Pederson - Division 2
Calvin Forbes - Division 4
Gillian Michell - Division 5
Eric Spence - Division 6
Sara Spence - Division 9

Silver medal winners
Alex Timewell - Division 1
Tim Mburu - Division 3

Bronze medal winners
Li Dong - division 1
Alexander Willis - division 2
Delray Willis - division 4
Roman Hessel - division 11 male

4th place finish overall - Anneke Pederson - division 9
5 th place finish overall - Alex Forbes - division 6

River City Cup

The River City Cup is awarded to the Club with the most points:

Salmon Arm first with 55713 points

River City second with 39432 points

Logan Lake Events a Success!

2011-01-12T14:23:00.000-08:00

The weather cooperated for great day of racing and fun out at Logan Lake on Saturday January 8th. The River City Racers Speed Skating Club hosted its fourth annual Southern Regional Long Track Speed Skating Championships (alias Logan Lake LOop) and its fifth annual Polarthon (winter triathlon) out at Owen's Oval on Logan Lake.

During the award ceremonies for the Speed Skating Championships, Logan Lake Mayor Marlon Dosch gave a tribute to the late Owen Spence whose vision and hard work initiated these two outdoor events. The town unveiled a story board in memory of Owen on a permanent structure at Logan Lake near Owen's Oval.

Special thanks to the Logan Lake ATV crew for their dedication and numerous hours preparing and clearing Owen's Oval for these events. The ice was the best it has ever been! Definitely these events would not be possible with the support of the community of Logan Lake.

Thank to our sponsors Highland Valley Copper who donated the medals this year for these events.

Special thanks to other supporters who also provided financially or donated draw prizes. In alphabetical order these are:

BC Community Gaming Grant
Highland Valley Copper
McDonalds Kamloops
River City Racers Speed Skating Club
Runners Sole
Speed Skating Canada Festivals On Ice Grant
Taboo Cycle
Tori's Video Fund

We also acknowledge and appreciate the support from neighbouring clubs: The Kelowna Speed Skating Club and The Kamloops Long Blades who provided volunteers to help run these events. Through your cooperation and support good things are made possible.

Spence Sisters finish first and second in CWG qualifier

2011-01-11T21:42:00.000-08:00

Spence Sisters finish 1 - 2 at the second of two long track speed skating qualifiers for the Canada Winter Games. Both Tori (18yrs) and Josie (16 yrs) participated in a four day competition held at the Olympic Oval in Calgary over the past few days. Two competitions ran simultaneously. Top ranked skaters in Canada qualified to race in the Canadian Single Distance Championships from which the fastest skaters will secure spots on the National Team and participate in the World Cup series. Other skaters from across Canada competed in the Canada Cup 2 division.

Tori qualified to skate in 3 of 4 distances (1,000m, 1500m, and 3k) in the Canadian Single Distance Championships and Josie qualified to skate in one distance, the 3k. Tori had a 12th place finish in the 1500m and a 17th place finish in the 1000m with Kristine Nesbitt winning both distances. Tori posted a personal best and a 8th place finish in the 3k but later found out she had been disqualified.

Josie finished in 10th spot in the 3 K Canadian Single Distance and posted a new personal best time of 4:25.03. In the Canada Cup 2 Division Josie placed 2nd in the 500m with a new personal best time of 41.96 and a seventh place finish in each of the 1000m and 1500m.

Overall, amongst BC female junior skaters (between 15 and 19 years of age) Tori placed first (as she did in the first CWG qualifier skated in November 2010) and Josie moved up from a 4th place finish in November to a second place finish in the second qualifier.

In December 2010 Josie qualified for the CWG BC Short Track team so now is in the admirable position to make the decision as to whether she will participate on the CWG Long Track or Short Track team as she cannot participate in both at these games.

Aside but interesting to note - The BC CWG team is made up of 4 males and 4 females. 6 of the 8 skaters that have qualified for this team had part of their initial exposure to long track speed skating at Owen's Oval on Logan Lake. In fact the Daily took a picture (and put in the paper) several years ago of a male skater racing at the oval on Logan Lake (Alec Janssens ) who is now the top Junior Male skater in Canada!!

Logan Lake LOop 2011

2011-01-07T08:02:00.000-08:00

Come on out to watch southern BC only long track event (400m oval at Logan Lake) on Saturday, January 8, 2011!

Schedule of Events

8:00 am – 8:15 am
Logan Lake Campground – registration

8:15 am – 8:30 am
Coaches and Officials Meeting

8:15 am – 8:45 am
Skaters Warm up

9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Racing (Owen’s Oval)
100m special event race

1:00 pm – 1:30 pm (approximately)
Lunch for Coaches and Officials – WHY (upstairs Rec Centre: side door)

1:00 pm (Owen's Oval)
No Speed Limit Radar Gun Event

1:45 pm
Award Presentations

The LOop will be followed by the annual Polarthon. See you there!

Count down to the 2011 Polarthon!

2011-01-06T06:38:00.000-08:00

If you haven't registered for the 2011 Polarthon there is still time!

View/download the brochure
Register online or drop off your form in Kamloops at Runner’s Sole #74-1395 Hillside Drive or Taboo Cycle #3-2160 Flamingo Road
On race day registration and bib pick up takes place between 1 - 1:30 at the Logan Lake Campground.

Thanks to all our sponsors and supporters for making this fun event possible!

Chevrolet's Making Dreams Possible

2010-12-21T08:11:00.000-08:00

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

Learn To Skate

2010-12-13T17:50:00.000-08:00

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

2010-11-25T15:44:00.000-08:00

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

News for RCR

2010-11-08T19:14:00.000-08:00

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

2010-11-01T20:11:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-10-14T07:52:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-13T05:19:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-03T08:02:00.000-07:00

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

2010-09-29T12:54:00.000-07:00

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

2010-09-22T11:54:00.000-07:00

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

2010-09-15T08:04:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-08-13T14:49:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-13T06:56:00.000-07:00

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

2010-04-27T14:07:00.000-07:00

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

2010-04-27T09:45:00.000-07:00

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

2010-04-18T11:18:00.000-07:00

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

2010-04-08T11:05:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-03-31T14:56:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-03-23T19:51:00.000-07:00

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:

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

Congratulations to Matej and Anneke

2010-03-16T21:32:00.000-07:00

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

2010-03-09T13:38:00.000-08:00

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

2010-03-07T11:39:00.000-08:00

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

2010-03-04T13:01:00.000-08:00

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

2010-03-03T07:29:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-26T06:47:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-26T06:19:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-11T07:54:00.000-08:00

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

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

Results from this weekend

2010-02-08T19:50:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-01T20:47:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-25T20:55:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-18T21:14:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-15T17:06:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-14T15:16:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-13T10:13:00.000-08:00

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

2010 Polarthon

2010-01-11T21:58:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-11T07:27:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-08T20:59:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-04T12:00:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-04T08:20:00.000-08:00

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!

2010-01-03T11:57:00.000-08:00

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Logan Lake LOop

2010-01-01T21:40:00.000-08:00

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

Neck Guard Safety Reminder

2009-12-12T20:05:00.000-08:00

This important notice is from Ted Houghton, Executive Director, British Columbia Speed Skating Association:

SAFETY REMINDER

An issue was brought to the attention of SSC ODC this week and was discussed by our committee during our monthly conference call December 09, 2009. The issue concerns the wearing of neck guards by skaters participating in all Speed Skating Canada short track competitions. We are aware that certain athletes have not been wearing neck guards during SSC competitions, believing that the kevlar suits they are wearing provide adequate protection and comply with current regulations.

SSC ODC wishes to remind you that it is contrary to SSC regulations to skate without a neck guard based upon Rule N4-103 paragraph (b) found on page N-51 of the 2009-2010 Procedures and Regulations.

This rule states: All skaters must wear a neck protector during short track competitions. The neck protector must be of a bib type design covering the neck and all the soft parts of the upper chest area. It must be made of ballistic nylon as the main material. The neck protector

must securely fastened and tucked into the skin suit. Until and if this rule is changed, updated or deleted, it is applicable.

Officials are placed in an awkward position if they permit skaters to skate without a neck guard and someone is injured as a result. In light of the recent spate of accidents and injuries and the discussions related to safety and medical services for our competitions which were held during the recent LTPAD meetings in Ottawa, SSC ODC believes it would be placing officials, coaches and indeed, SSC in a very precarious position if this rule were to be ignored.

SSC ODC hopes that you will understand our grave concerns and that you will advise athletes that the rule in question will be followed. SSC ODC is not in a position to entertain arguments regarding the relative safety of kevlar suits in this regard. The only issue is whether or not a current rule designed for the safety and protection of athletes is being followed.

Image from Kitchener Waterloo Sertoma Speed Skating Club

Results: Kelowna Interclub Competition

2009-12-07T19:51:00.000-08:00

The Zone 2 speed skating qualifiers were held in Kelowna this past weekend along with the Kelowna interclub competition.

Anneke (14) and Sara (13) were both vying for a spot on the Juvenile girls BC team to which the top two skaters in Zone 2 were selected. Anneke completed the qualifiers in first place spot with 3 first place finishes, one third and and three personal best times. Sara finished in second overall with 2 second place finishes, 1 third and 1 first place finish.

Josie (15 yrs) prequalified for the BC games team in the Junior women division as she qualified to skate at her first Junior National Short Track Competition held in Edmonton this same weekend. This was Josie’s first time to qualify for Junior Nationals – she skated to a personal best time in the 500m and finished in 24th place overall. Sister Tori Spence also qualified for Junior Nationals for the first time and finished in 20th place overall. Tori placed 1st in her super 1500m D final but had some tough luck in her other events with a fall in the preliminary rounds of the 1500m event and was disqualified in the 500m event. She finished in 2nd place in the F final of the 1000m.

Personal best times were shattered by other club skaters participating in the interclub portion of the Kelowna competition. In Division 9 Alexander Willis skated to one 1st and two 2nd place finishes with personal bests in all three distances. In Division 7, Tim Mburu skated to 6 personal best times with four 1st place finishes; Alex Forbes skated to 5 personal best times with one 1st place finish. In Division 6 Eric Spence skated to 4 personal best times with three 1st place finishes; Matej Pederson had one personal best time and one 1st place finish, and Calvin Forbes had 4 personal best times.

Anneke Pederson, Sara Spence and sister Josie Spence, all members of the River City Racers Speed Skating Club, will be representing Zone 2 at the BC Winter Games in Terrace BC this March 3 – 7th 2010.

Skate-A-Thon

2009-12-03T20:02:00.000-08:00

Calling all skaters! Plan to participate in the 2010 Skate-A-Thon to be held at Logan Lake on January 10th. This event will take place at Owen's Oval in Logan Lake immediately after the Polarthon which is scheduled to wrap up around 11:00 a.m.

The Skate-A-Thon is a fundraising activity for the Kamloops River City Racers Speed Skating Club but you don't have to be a club member to participate, and you can use any kind of skates.

We're offering a great prize! For every $25 you raise you will receive an entry into a draw for four tickets to a Blazers game and a pizza dinner for four. So the more money you raise, the greater your odds of winning!

Following this event there will be a hot dog roast and hot chocolate around a bonfire.

Download the pledge form (PDF 57 KB) and start collecting now!

2010 Polarthon

2009-12-03T15:43:00.000-08:00

Registration is now open for the 2010 Polarthon! This winter triathlon (skate, run, and cross country ski) is an opportunity for people of all ages to come together to enjoy a day of winter fun. You can enter individually or as a team. Why not round up your colleagues at work? This year we have a new corporate team category. A prize is awarded for the best costume and medals are awarded to top finishers.

When: January 10, 2010 9:00 a.m.
Where: Owen's Oval, Logan Lake
What: 3 km skate, 2.5 km run, 4 km ski (any style), 2.5 km run

Download the brochure and entry form (PDF 688 KB). Register by mail, in person, or online, and pay on the event day.

Drop Off Locations
Runners Sole
#74-1395 Hillside Dr.
Kamloops, BC V2E 2R7

Taboo Cycle
#3-2160 Flamingo Rd.
Kamloops, BC V2C 4J9

WHY
Village Centre Mall
Logan Lake, BC V0K 1W0

NL Broadcasting
611 Lansdowne St.
Kamloops, BC
V2C 1Y6

Questions?
Brett McIlwain 250-571-1031
WHY Society 250-523-6229

December 3 Mini Meet

2009-12-03T07:19:00.000-08:00

Kamloops River City Racers will be running a second mini meet of the season Thursday, December 3 at at McArthur Island arena.

We will need parent volunteers to help out with the timing and getting skaters on and off the ice, place judging and officiating on the ice. You will be assigned a role when you arrive at the rink.

The general format will be:

4:00 – 4:20 – warm up 10 minutes group 1 10 minutes group 2
4:25 – 5:15 (or so) each skater to skate 4 distances. – skaters will be grouped with others of like abilities
5:15 – 5:30 – clockwise race, relay race
5:30 – 5:45 – obstacle course set up and skate through
5:45 – 5:55 – pin testing

Caring for your blades

2009-11-30T11:09:00.000-08:00

Here are a few tips from coach Mark Pederson for caring for your blades:
After every skating session:

Dry blades
Put on cloth covers

When you get home take the skates out of the bag until next session, preferably in the house, but not close to a heat source. The plastic guards should only be placed back on the blade when the guards are completely dry. Most skaters do not put the plastic guards back on until they are back at the arena.

Rust can easily be avoided, but if you happen to have some on your blades it can be rubbed off with light oil, WD - 40, or other rust removal products. Sometimes you may need to use a very fine steel wool pad, or a Scotch Brite brand pad.

2009 Kelowna Invitational & BCWG Trials

2009-11-25T08:15:00.000-08:00

Date: December 5th, 2009
Location: Capital News Centre Sports Complex, 4105 Gordon Drive at Lequime St. (Mission Area).
Sanction: BCSSA sanction
Meet Entries: List of registrants must be submitted by 8:00pm, Friday, November 27th, 2009. (River City Racers -- submit registration to Conny)

Entry Fee: $25.00 per skater
Seed Time: Pewee & Bantam: 333m, Midget & Juvenile: 500m, Junior & Up: 1000m. BCWG eligible skaters may skate in their own division.

Tentative Schedule
8:45 Registration
9:00 Coaches Meeting
9:00-9:15 Mats up
9:15 Officials Meeting
9:15-9:25 Flood
9:25-9:35 Juvenile & up Warm-up
9:35-9:45 Midget & Younger Warm-up
9:45-10:00 Flood
10:00 – 12:30 Racing
12:30 – 1:00 Lunch
1:00 - 4:00 Racing
4:00 BCWG Relay practice
4:45 Finish

Junior World Cup Regional Championships

2009-11-25T08:00:00.000-08:00

Sisters Tori and Josie Spence, both local members of the River City Racers Speed Skating Club, competed at their first Junior World Cup Regional Championships over the weekend in Calgary. The top 5 National skaters from Canada, United States, Romania and Poland took part. Tori finished third in the 3k event. Josie was enroute to an excellent time in this same event but was disqualified for hitting a corner pin with her skate. Tori also qualified to skate in the Junior World Cup in the 1500m event and placed 8th with a new personal best time and a new provincial record. Those skaters not qualifying for the World Cup event joined junior and senior aged skaters in the CanAm portion of the competition. Josie skated to personal bests in the 500m and 1000m events in the CanAm portion of the competition.

Bring a Friend Nite

2009-11-18T07:00:00.000-08:00

Bring a Friend Nite! Bring your family too...
* Come join us for a fun skate, exercise and games
* Bring your favourite munchies to share
* Beverages will be provided

Tuesday November 24th 4:30 – 5:15pm
Ice Box Skating Arena

You'll need skates, helmet, gloves, long-sleeves and pants. A neck guard and shin pads are strongly recommended. Get in touch with RCR member if you'd like to be fitted for speed skates.

Skating skills and games will be organized for this evening. There is no cost.

Photo by Elizabeth Ann Colette

Festivals On Ice

2009-11-13T09:05:00.000-08:00

As part of the celebrations leading up to the 2010 winter olympic games, Speed Skating Canada launched a program to assist clubs and communities in celebrating their love of winter sport and skating through a program called Festivals On Ice. The concept is to encourage speed skating clubs and community groups across the country to host local celebrations that encourage the general public to join them for a day of skating regardless of whether people use hockey skates, figure skates or speed skates. Kamloops River City Racers was one of five clubs/communities across Canada to receive a grant!

Our club’s event will be held on January 9th and 10th at Owen’s Oval in Logan Lake.

January 9th will be an interclub long track speed skating competition. Owen’s Oval is an outdoor 333m long track speed skating track on a lake surface.

January 10th we will host the Polarthon, a winter triathlon comprised of skating, running, and cross country skiing. This event is open to everyone and participants may enter as a team or individually. The intent is to provide an opportunity for people of all ages to come together in a fun, safe and welcoming environment and experience activity in the great outdoors. Categories include youth, male, female, mixed, couple, family and corporate and participants are encouraged to dress up for the event. A prize is awarded for the best costume and medals are awarded to top finishers.

Following the triathlon there will be an RCMP officer on hand to clock your speed on the ice with a radar gun. Our club will also be doing a Skate-a-Thon this day and have speed skates on hand for your friends and family to try.

Please tell your friends and family and other sports teams about the Polarthon. This event is open to all and can be done as a team or individually. Participants are encouraged to dress up for the event as there is a prize for the best costume. Categories include youth, male, female, family, couple, mixed ..and new this year…corporate.

Mark your calendars for January 9th and 10th! Registration details will be posted soon! For more information call Cathy at 250 374 5430.

November Chill Results

2009-11-11T06:39:00.000-08:00

What a superb performance by the River City Racers at the November Chill Short Track interclub competition November 7th! Congratulations to all who participated and helped out at this event. There were many personal best times and first place finishes. Coaches from other clubs commented on how impressed they were with the spirit and eagerness with which our skaters raced.

Thirteen members took place in this event at McArthur Arena.

Division 1 Reed McIIwain skated to two firsts and four personal best times; Matej Pederson three personal best times; Evan Wynne two firsts and two personal best times.

Division 2: Gillian Michell raced to three first place finishes and four personal best times; Alex Forbes had one first and two personal best times; Calvin Forbes had one first and two personal bests.

Division 3: Tori Spence had three firsts; Josie Spence had one first; Sara Spence had two firsts; Anneke Pederson had four personal best times.

Division 4: Eric Spence had one first and two personal bests. Division 6 Alexander Willis was racing for the first time and established times in the distances he skated.

RCR welcomes new president Diana Coder

2009-11-11T06:15:00.001-08:00

Kamloops River City Racers now has a new president! Diana Coder has been involved in the sport of speed skating for many years. She has been a competitive speed skater, a coach, a mother of two competitive and accomplished speed skaters, a club founder, a club president, and served on various speed skating committees at the provincial speed skating level.

She's a little camera shy so this is the best we could do! :-)

Preparing for competitions

2009-11-06T12:43:00.000-08:00

Is everybody ready for the November Chill Interclub Competition at McArthur Arena November 7th? Here are some tips from the coaches on how to prepare for a competition:

Make sure your skates are sharp
Get a good sleep the night before
Drink plenty of water the day before the event
Eat a good breakfast the morning of the event
Pack some healthy snacks
Plan on a light lunch
Arrive 40 minutes before your ice warm up time
Do a dry land warm up (light jog, jumping exercises, dynamic stretching)ake
Take sips of water throughout the day

Happy Halloween from RCR!

2009-11-01T11:53:00.000-08:00

Coaches (from left to right) Stacey Coder, Tori Spence, and Josie Spence at the October 29th mini meet.

November Chill Interclub

2009-10-26T20:35:00.000-07:00

The deadline for entries to the November 7th Chill Interclub at McArthur Island Sport Centre in Kamloops is Friday, Oct. 30 at 9:00 pm. The event information and registration can be found on the BC Speed Skating Association website.

Results: Oktoberfest Short Track

2009-10-14T14:43:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Tori and Josie Spence who both skated in the 2009 Oktoberfest Short Track Speed Skating Competition October 9 - 11, 2009 in Calgary, Alberta. Josie broke the provincial 1500m record for Junior Ladies division and Tori skated under the Intermediate Ladies Provincial and Canadian record for the 1500m. They skated 2:29.4 and 2:27.7 respectively. They also set personal best times in several other races. These times have put them in a very good position to qualify for the Junior Nationals in Edmonton December 6th and 7th.

Mission Racers Sprint Meet

2009-10-05T09:29:00.000-07:00

This upcoming short track meet in Mission, BC. is just a one day event. Cathy will be submitting names re RCR entries so please let her know prior to that time if you are interested in attending. Send your notification of interest to Cathy at cmturnbull-spence@shaw.ca by noon on Wednesday October 7th.

Mission Racers Sprint Meet

Date: Saturday, October 17, 2009,

Location: Mission Leisure Centre, 7650 Grand Street, Mission, BC

Medical: St. John Ambulance

Sanctions: BCSSA Sanction applied for

Meet Coordinators: John Kerkhoven 604-820-0450 or nicomen@smartt.com
Darcy Stelcz 604-820-0661 or stelcz@shaw.ca

Entry Fee: $10.00 Cradles. $20 ( Includes Officials Development Fund of $1.00)

Formats: Age Class sprints. Juvenile and up to race 2 - 1000m and 2 - 500m
races. Midget and down to race 2 – 333m races and 2 – 500 m races.

IMPORTANT: Juvenile and up skaters to race in the morning. Midget and down to
race in the afternoon. Cradles to race as close as possible to noon.

Seed Time: 500M times for Juveniles and up. 333M times for Midget and down.
Cradles 111M.

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE:

General Registration 6:30 am – 7:00 am
Coaches Meeting 7:00 am
Warm-up Juvenile and up 7:10 am – 7:20 am
Ice Clean 7:30 am - 7:45 am
Racing Juvenile and up 7:45 am - 12:00 pm
Warm up Midget and down 12:30pm - 12:40 pm
Ice Clean 12:50 pm -1:00 pm
Racing Midget and down 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Cradles approximately 12:00 pm

Cradles and Midget and down skaters should be at the Rink by 11:00 a.m. as they may skate before noon

Vernon Meet

2009-10-01T11:28:00.000-07:00

This event will be of interest to all club members. All ages are welcome! The cost is $5 per skater, $10 maximum per family. Interested members must let Cathy know by Tuesday October 6th.

Vernon Meet
October 13, 2009
Priest Valley Arena

Club Skin Suits

2009-09-30T12:05:00.000-07:00

It's time to order new club skin suits! If you're interested please send a note, indicating size(s), to Chris Michell: rcmichell@telus.net

Salmon Arm Ice Breakers Tech Camp

2009-09-29T05:55:00.000-07:00

You are invited to the Salmon Arm Ice Breakers Tech Camp on October 24-25, 2009 at the Salmon Arm Sunwave Centre. This camp is for novice and advanced skating skills.

Saturday, October 24
9:00 – 9:30 Registration / breakfast snack
9:30 – 10:30 Class and Warm up
10:00 – 1:00 Starts and Straight-aways
1:00 - 2:00 Lunch Break
2:00 – 2:30 Class / Warm up
2:45 – 5:30 Corners and Relays
6:00 – 7:30 Dinner (by host club)

Sunday, October 25
9:00 – 9:30 Class / Warm up
9:30 – 12:30 Ice Review

Registration

Register by calling Joanne Keigan at 250-833-0641 or by email worj@telus.net
Camp fee $85.00 (more than 5 skaters from one club $65.00
Supper is included with registration (non skaters are welcome at $5.00 per person/$10 per family)

Please bring:

Skates and appropriate protective gear (Extra skates and equipment are available on a first come first served basis)
Lunch

New Ice Time!

2009-09-28T08:52:00.000-07:00

Good news! We now have a new weekly ice time at McArthur Island Park Sports Centre Arena Thursdays 4-6:00 pm.

We will be fine-tuning the fall schedule this week and updating the River City Racers calendar.

Club Meeting

2009-09-28T08:26:00.000-07:00

The first club meeting for the 2009-2010 season will be held at the Ice Box Arena, Tuesday, September 29 @ 3:45

photo by the wandering angel

Josie Spence Confirmed as Olympic Torch Bearer

2009-08-18T21:56:00.000-07:00

Josie Spence, a 15 year old local student and athlete from Kamloops, has been selected to carry the Olympic Torch on January 28th. Her run will occur between Kamloops and Williams Lake. Josie is a grade 10 student at SKSS and a competitive speed skater with the Kamloops River City Racers Club.

"I am so excited to be part of the Torch Relay and add to the community spirit of the Olympics!" Josie stated upon receiving the email on Monday that confirmed her participation in the event. "I am extra proud as my Dad entered me in this contest and my Dad was a great Canadian athlete and supporter of the Olympics and sport development."

Josie's Dad passed away suddenly and tragically in December 2008. Josie helps coach younger skaters in the River City Racers Learn to Skate program and is becoming quite an accomplished athlete herself. She was named to the BC provincial development team this season, is one of Canada's top 5 junior female skaters in the 3k event, and is currently in Calgary training at the Olympic Oval. Josie was awarded free admission to this week's camp at the Calgary Oval as she won the 'top female' award at last summer's camp.

For further information please contact Cathy Turnbull Spence (head coach of the River City Racers) at 250 571 5342 (cell) or email to speedskatingkamloops@shaw.ca

Registration for 2009 - 2010 season

2009-08-17T07:04:00.000-07:00

Click on image for a larger view

Children’s Learn to Skate $70.00
Must be at least 5 years of age
A learn to skate program for the beginner skater. Focus will be on fundamental movement skills on skates, ie balance, skating stride (push and glide), stopping, starting, corner cross overs and agility. Skills taught through games. Report cards and achievement pins awarded.

Ice Box – Tuesdays from 4:30 – 5:15pm
Fall – Oct 6th – Nov 24th
Winter – Jan 19th – March 9th

Club/Competitive Programs
Long Track and Short Track skating practices and competitions offered. Season begins Tuesday September 22nd and goes until the end of March.

Ice Box – Tuesdays from 3:45 – 4:30pm
McArthur – Fridays from 6:00 – 8:00am and Sundays 6:00 – 8:00pm
The Owen Spence Outdoor Oval – time and dates dependent on weather

Poker Night Fundraiser

2009-06-24T12:19:00.000-07:00

You're invited to a Poker Night fundraiser for the River City Racers Speed Skating Club, June 30, 2009, 7:30 - 11:00 p.m., at the Ora Restaurant, Kamloops TownLodge. Space is limited so be sure to reserve your spot now by contacting brett@country103.ca!

Celebrating Our Accomplishments

2009-05-13T14:11:00.000-07:00

We brought our 2008-2009 year to an end with a potluck and award ceremony. There was plenty of applause as Cathy Spence hung medals around the skaters' necks and handed over heavy trophies. And woah! Look at the size of that cheque!

Annual General Meeting

2009-04-21T20:03:00.000-07:00

Ice skating pigeons in Cluj-Napoca by bortescristian

This year’s wind up and AGM will be held in the St. Ann’s lunch room and gym, 205 Columbia Street, Kamloops, on Sunday April 26th from 12:30 – 2:30. Tori and Josie will organize some games in the gym for the kids. Mark will collect club rental equipment. Connie is organizing the potluck. Cathy is taking care of the awards. What a team!

Tori's video

2009-03-23T19:53:00.000-07:00

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

2009-03-19T18:12:00.000-07:00

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!

Time to vote again!

2009-02-23T13:42:00.000-08:00

The top 8 videos have been posted for the ING Speed Skating Challenge -- the search for Canada's best speed skating story. We're now moving to the quarter finals and Tori's video is still in the running. Be sure to vote!

Schedule for Sunday

2009-02-22T06:28:00.000-08:00

Here is the plan for Sunday, February 22:

6 - 6:40 Bring a friend on to ice session. Cathy will run a lesson with games and skating skills. All welcome to participate!
6:40 - 6:50 Warm up for racing.
6:50 - 7:40ish Racing for all club members
7:40 - 8:00ish Pin testing

Parent volunteers to help run the mini meet!

Bring a friend

2009-02-17T20:44:00.000-08:00

For the remainder of the season RCR skaters are invited to bring a friend to any practice. This is a great opportunity to try out speed skating and think about joining the club next year. There is no cost to friends.

Let Mark or Cathy know ahead of time so they can have skates ready for them.