MASTERS INTERNATIONAL SPRINT GAMES

Many thanks to Anika Bedard for the following report:

Last weekend many skaters came to the Pettit National Ice Center in Milwaukee for the last of the three international meets of the season held in North America. A total of 18 women and 66 men from Canada, Finland, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, Norway, Romania, Russia and USA competed in this sprint event.

Photo by Rene Therrien

Both racing days started very early at 8 o’clock with the U.S. anthem played by Olu-Olusegun Sijuwade, talented saxophonist and skater.

Photo by Steve Penland

Photo by Rene Therrien

With tail wind from the ventilation in the oval and an excellent ice, fast times were recorded throughout the weekend and many PBs and masters world records were broken.

Canadian skaters: Don Bumstead, Brett Arnason, Constant Montpellier

and Anika Bedard.
Photos by Steve Penland

Saturday evening, skaters and friends were invited to a friendly potluck dinner at Olu’s house. The evening was filled with skate talk, world cup videos and good food! To conclude the event, a banquet and victory ceremony was held Sunday evening in the beautiful ballroom in the Hilton Hotel where a fine dinner was served accompanied by beautiful music played by Olu.

Photo by Rene Therrien

Many thanks to the organizing committee and race officials for this well organised event that we all enjoyed!

To view the complete results.

To see more Steve Penland pictures.