3RD MASTERS ICE RACING CHALLENGE

Ian Mellors, meet coordinator, sent the following message -

The Masters Ice Racing Challenge is back, and bigger than ever, December 12 - December 14, 2008. In addition to the racing and awards banquet we have added a skating clinic on the Sunday morning.

See the attached information sheet for details.

Please pass this announcement along to any Masters skaters you may know.

CALGARY MASTERS RECOGNIZED

Congratulations to the following masters who were recognized amongst the Club's 2007-08 Skater Award Winners by the Calgary Speed Skating Association in its May 2008 newsletter -

Master 1 - Richard Hijnen

Master 2 - Ron Jackson

Master 3 - Jo-Ann Johnson

Master 4 - Ron Johnston

Master 5 - Roy Whitney

Master of the Year - Bob Irvine

Many thanks to the Calgary Speed Skating Association for these well-deserved acknowledgements.

ONTARIO SUMMER SPEED SKATING CAMP - MASTERS NEEDED

A reminder that this summer's Ontario Speed Skating camp in Orleans Ontario includes a masters group with three half-days in the mornings during Tuesday August 19 to Thursday August 21. The daily program features both an ice session and dryland sessions.

All levels of masters are welcome. With the registration fee deadline of July 30 approaching quickly, masters are encouraged to sign-up soon, as the feasibility of this camp depends on sufficient numbers.

Last year's camp in Cambridge was a tremendous success attracting 18 skaters from 11 different clubs in the province.

CHAMONIX SHORT TRACK

An entry form and event information is now available for the first international opportunity for masters short track competition of the 2008-09 season. The 27th edition of the Trophee Leon Quaglia, being held in Chamonix FRA, is actually a training camp during July 26 - August 2 ending with 2 days of competition.

The masters categories are for women 35 + and men 40+ as of July 1, 2008. Entries are due by July 6.

MONT STE MARIE MASTERS DRYLAND CAMP

The Ontario Speed Skating Association has just published an entry form and information for the Mont Ste Marie Masters Dry Land Camp. The event, scheduled for August 8-10, will take place in a rustic rural setting near Mont Ste Marie, Quebec just north of Ottawa.

Sheila McGinn's account of last year's camp conveys both the value and fun of this well-organized and challenging event led by former National Team skater, Mike Rivet, and his partner Carleen.

Interested masters should confirm their interest by July 15 as available space is expected to fill up quickly.

MASTERS RECORDS UPDATE

Speed Skating Canada recently updated its records. Congratulations to the following masters who raised the bar during the 2007-08 competition season:

CANADIAN LONG TRACK - OLYMPIC STYLE

Men - Masters 3 (50-59)

Bob Irvine, AB: 1000m - 1:22.70

CANADIAN MASS START LONG TRACK - OUTDOOR OVALS

Men - Masters 3 (50-59)

Bob Irvine, AB: 1500m - 2:11.91, 3000m - 4:41.26

Men - Masters 2 (40-49)

Randy Plett, MB: 500m - 49.20

Garth Patterson, SK: 3000m - 4:41.58

Men - Masters 1 (30-39)

Richard Hijnen, AB: 3000m - 4:42.37

CANADIAN MASS START LONG TRACK - COVERED OVALS

Women - Masters 3 (50-59)

Jo-Ann Johnson, AB: 500m - 47.14, 1000m - 1:34.37, 1500m - 2:26.65, 3000m - 5:01.54

Women - Masters 2 (40-49)

Connie Pope, AB: 3000m - 5:01.54

Men - Masters 3 (50-59)

Bob Irvine, AB: 500m - 40.96, 1000m - 1:23.16

Men - Masters 2 (40-49)

Randy Plett, MB: 1500m - 2:05.08

Men - Masters 1 (30-39)

Rejean Lavoie, AB: 3000m - 4:25.80

CANADIAN SHORT TRACK

Men - Masters 3 (50-59)

Barry Sugden, YT: 777m - 1:20.50