GENE SUTTON

A major builder in the Canadian amateur sports world passed away on August 3. Gene Sutton was a high school teacher in Hamilton Ontario for 32 years who subsequently taught sport and recreation at Hamilton's Mohawk College and somehow found time to be Team Canada's chef de mission at the 2003 Pan-American Games, was a member of Gymnastics Canada board of directors for 21 years and a member of the Canadian Olympic (Association) Committee for over a decade.

Described by a friend, in the Globe and Mail's August 25 obituary, as a "champion of athletes, a big cheerleader", Ms. Sutton was quoted as follows in the speech she made when named a member of the Wall of Distinction for the City of Hamilton:

"Life's journey is not to arrive safely at the grave in a well-preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out shouting, What a ride!"

Inspirational words for masters speed skaters from an inspirational woman.

MASTERS SPEED SKATING CHALLENGE 2009

Many thanks to Ian Mellors for the following announcement and information -

Please find attached an outline of for the 4th Annual Masters Ice Racing Challenge, December 11th - 13th, 2009.

Please forward the information to clubs and Masters skaters, we have tried to include something for both the competitive Master and the Recreational Master speed skater.

In combination with our annual ability meet on Saturday December 12th, 2009, we offer something for all skaters in the family.

If you have any questions, please email me.

Sincerely,

Ian Mellors - Meet Coordinator - Banff/Canmore SSC

For those speed skaters using Facebook, Sheila McGinn has created an event where you can indicate your attendance, see who else is attending and much more.

LOW-WALKS IN OTTAWA WHILE ATTENDING THE ELLIS EDGE MASTERS CAMP

Many thanks to Kathy Hunt who sent the following story and photos of her trip to Ottawa to participate in the Ellis Edge Masters Camp during August 6 to 9, 2009 -

Hello Speed Skaters!

While attending the Ellis Edge Master’s Speed Skating camp in Ottawa, we went for an awesomely fun bike ride one morning. In addition to having a great time, the photo-series “Low walks in Ottawa” was born - travel adventures as seen from the perspective of speed skaters. Actually, now it has broken lose and become “Low Walks around the World”. Rosie promises to send new additions when she goes to Australia!

The fun doesn’t stop with the low walks – our 30 km bike ride around Ottawa and other good times are told in another photo-email.

The fun begins at Hog’s Back in Ottawa, with one of our biking groups: Sandy R, Patti, Kathy, Sandy F, Jane, John.

The first low walk photo at Hog’s Back, by Kathy.

Then, on the canal.

Under the spider.

On the 3-D map of downtown Ottawa.

Patti’s beautiful sunset low walk along the river.

Patti’s beautiful sunset low walk along the river.

Gene’s beautiful sunset low walk along the river.

Gene’s nightfall low walk along the river.

Gene adds the parliamentary flavour to his low walk. Count on Gene to find the best spot!

Our residence building at Carleton – the site of much fun and partying.

‘Bye to Ottawa for now!

Series by: “Kathy the Dork” (or so I am told - btw, I consider it a compliment!). Photos contributed by: Kathy, Patti and Gene.

Do you want to be a contributor? Send your low walk photos to kathyh@cyg.net to be added to the “Low Walks around the World” series.