FEDERAL FUNDING FOR ONTARIO OVAL PROJECT

The government of Canada has announced $1.2M in funding for the Ontario Oval project. See this Press Release.

Additional information about the project can be seen here.

NORTH AMERICAN MARATHON CHAMPIONSHIP 2008

Master speed skater, Brian Johnston, who is also Director of Edmonton's Silver Skate Festival, wrote to say the Festival is hoping to have the North American Marathon Championships on the 3rd week of February in Edmonton. That would be the 16th and 17th of February 2008 for a 25 and 50km marathon event.

OLYMPIC OVAL MASTERS CAMPS

Two versions of the annual summer camp at Calgary's Olympic Oval appear to be available this year.

For parents with children participating in the July 9 to 14, 2007 Summer Speed Camp, there will be a separate masters category.

There will also be a Masters Speed Skating Camp during July 23 to 28, 2007.

Thanks to Ross Knudson of Mackenzie BC for bringing this to our attention.

2007-08 PRELIMINARY CANADIAN SCHEDULE

On April 17, Speed Skating Canada posted its Draft Competition Schedule for the 2007-08 season.

The calendar includes a long track event titled "Canadian Open Masters" scheduled for February 9 to 10, 2008 in Calgary.

Thanks to Ross Knudson of Mackenzie BC for bringing this to our attention.

2007-08 PRELIMINARY INTERNATIONAL SCHEDULE

The International Masters Speed Skating Group (IMSSG) has posted a preliminary Competition Calendar for the upcoming 2007-08 season.

Although specific dates are not yet available, the schedule includes 2 events in North America including the 11th Masters International Open American Championships at the Pettit Center in Milwaukee and the 1st International Open Canadian Championship at the Olympic Oval in Calgary.

ONTARIO MASTERS SHORT TRACK CHAMPIONSHIP

Thirty-six competitors took part in the Ontario Masters Short Track Championship held March 31 to April 1, 2007. Organized by the Kitchener-Waterloo Cobras Speed Skating Club, the event titled "Celeblade" was combined with OSSA's Regional Ability Championship. Waterloo's Memorial Recreation Centre provided an excellent venue featuring fast olympic-size ice and an indoor running track (perfect for warm-up) with exterior views surrounding the 3,000 seat spectator area.

Nine woman and twenty-seven men raced in 3 ability-based groups based on 500m seed-times resulting in mixed gender and age-category racing. Although the official points-based outcome is not yet known, some preliminary conclusions can be made from the meet protocol.

Racing in the Bravo and Charlie groups, women were only represented in Masters 2 (40-49) with Sheila McGinn (Ottawa) as the sole competitor and victor in the Masters 3 (50-59) age class. Based on relative time results, it would appear that Sandy Kramer (Kitchener-Waterloo) was 1st in Masters 2.

Of 5 Master 1 males racing in both Alpha and Bravo, Kevin Frost (Gloucester) appears to have prevailed based on relative time results. Spread out over all 3 ability groups, the top Masters 2 male skater would seem to be Cameron Boyd (London) who won 3 of 4 events in the Alpha group. Racing in the Alpha group, Ross Hanham (Dofasco-Hamilton) was the lone Masters 3 male competitor. Gary Whitney (Markham) was the sole participant and winner in Masters 4 (60-69) men.

The competition was characterized by tough-friendly competition with some very exciting races best represented by the Alpha 500m secondary final where a photo finish for 2nd (Charles Gower - NOL), 3rd (Don Noble - TO) and 4th (John MacDonald - KW) places resulted in a spread of only 0.26 seconds.

Most Ontario clubs were well-represented with skaters from Ottawa, Gloucester, Quinte (Belleville), Niagara-On-The-Lake, Kitchener-Waterloo, Toronto, Kawartha (Peterborough), Clarington, Dofasco (Hamilton), Oakville, Sudbury, Markham and Thunder Bay. Competitors raced distances over 7 events for which provincial records are maintained including 500m, 777m, 1000m and 1500m. Subject to OSSA verification, Sheila McGinn may have established all new Masters 3 women records as follows:

- 500m - 1:10.51

- 777m - 1:50.62

- 1000m - 2:26.58

- 1500m - 3:41.70

A mixed ability relay was also provided for some masters participants.

This event concluded the 2006-07 racing season in Ontario.

ELLIS EDGE MASTERS CAMP

Ellis Edge Masters Camp - Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada - July 26 - 29, 2007.

Visit historic Saint John and the beautiful coastline while enjoying your skating.

The camp has two ice times per day and two off ice sessions. Focus is on technique, plus learn tracks, strategy and tactics.

All levels of masters welcome form beginner to expert!

Instruction by Sue Ellis, 2002 Olympic coach.

Visit www.ellisedge.com for more info.

PINK/ORANGE SKINSUITS ORDER

Back by popular demand, Anika Bédard is going to make a spring order of the colourful skinsuits. The price will be $240 (tax included) + delivery charges. If you're interested or have questions, please send an e-mail to Anika and she'll send you the complete information to order. Deadline is April 15, 2007.