Meet organizers have recently sent MSS News an update regarding this great masters competition scheduled for the Pettit National Ice Centre in Milwaukee Wisconsin during February 17 - 18, 2007.
This is an excellent masters speed skating event which, in 2006, attracted 70 competitors from the USA and Canada. See past posts in Masters Speed Skating News and Zen and the Art of Speed Skating for reports and personal accounts of last year's edition.
Scheduled the weekend before the International Masters Meet in Calgary, this Milwaukee event provides the opportunity for back-to-back participation in the 2 biggest masters long track speed skating events in North America in 2007.
Thursday, December 21, 2006
Saturday, December 09, 2006
WHERE IS YOUR HOME OVAL?
At our first international masters speed skating games in Ste-Foy in 2001, our new-found Dutch friends asked us, "Where is your home oval?". As residents of long-track deprived southwestern Ontario - we had to admit, to their surprise, that we had no oval - only the never-ending corners of short-track.
We're very envious of our long-track colleagues in Calgary, Ste-Foy, Milwaukee, Salt Lake City and areas of Europe who get out to their local oval 2 to 4 times per week. Our actual long track practice sessions are limited, by time and money, to usually no more than 4 to 6 trips per year. From where we are, driving times to the closest ovals are Lake Placid (7 hours), Ste-Foy (9 hours) and Milwaukee (10 to 11 hours depending on Chicago traffic conditions). A trip to Calgary involves a week away from work.
But if this sounds like whining, we're not totally deprived and often tell our skating friends that our home oval is the world famous Tri-Oval in Brampton Ontario. Located in Gage Park just behind City Hall near Hurontario (Hwy 10), this venue is really not an oval at all - but rather a recreational skating path. The name derives from the path's approximate 250 m configuration which is roughly made up of 3 corners and 3 straightaways - one of which is bent enough to necessitate a mid-stride cross-over. For skaters of our modest caliber, the track is navigable on long track skates at moderately high speed - although Turn 3 often takes one to the brink of sparking across the adjacent brick paving and local legend says at least one skater has crashed into the concrete fountain beside Turn 1.
Gage Park is open to the public all the time and so we go at 7 am on weekends to avoid the crowds. As the first flood is not until 8 am, our standard warm-up includes laps in both directions pushing our own snow shovels to remove the debris left behind by hundreds of skaters who partied well past midnight on the previous evening. Although this generally consists of snow and coffee cup lids, our shovels have been known to collect broken glass and discarded double-A batteries - known enemies of the lovingly hand-sharpened blade. The local squirrels who inhabit the branches overhanging the track also contribute leafs, branches and acorns to this high-performance ice surface. Our favourite, however, is the nightly visits by security guards who actually drive their patrol car on the ice leaving behind behind tire tracks of salt and sand. To them, we are indebted for our well-practiced sharpening skills. Standard post-practice protocol includes washing the salt from your blades and guards.
I'm reminded of this, as Gage Park opened for the season this week and we were there this morning at 6:45 am suiting up in our portable 4-wheeled change rooms in the nearby parking lot. Conditions with a wind-chill of only -11C were not too bad with a full set of underwear covered by a hooded skin-suit, toque, jersey, double-mittens and skater covers with toe warmers. Track-side water bottles need to be turned upside down to keep the freezing water flowing out the spout. Friends Larry (Masters 40-44 pictured below in Turn 3) and Julius (master in another 12 years) joined in this morning's workout which still made us sweat despite the chilly temperature.
One additional bit of trivia about the Gage Park Tri-Oval is that it was used as a set to mimic Madison Wisconsin in the 1996 film - A Brother’s Promise – The Dan Jansen Story
I know we're not the only covered oval-deprived skate fanatics out there and often wonder what it's like outdoors in New Brunswick, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, northern Alberta, British Columbia and parts of the USA where conditions are likely to make Gage Park seem like a tropical paradise. MSS News would like to hear about your Home Oval. Click on comments (below), select "Other" as your identity, enter your name and tell your story. All clean, politically-correct, censor board-approved submissions will be posted. Or even better, e-mail us your story and a photo for posting on this site.
When you read these stories, you know you have to love this sport to do it!
We're very envious of our long-track colleagues in Calgary, Ste-Foy, Milwaukee, Salt Lake City and areas of Europe who get out to their local oval 2 to 4 times per week. Our actual long track practice sessions are limited, by time and money, to usually no more than 4 to 6 trips per year. From where we are, driving times to the closest ovals are Lake Placid (7 hours), Ste-Foy (9 hours) and Milwaukee (10 to 11 hours depending on Chicago traffic conditions). A trip to Calgary involves a week away from work.
But if this sounds like whining, we're not totally deprived and often tell our skating friends that our home oval is the world famous Tri-Oval in Brampton Ontario. Located in Gage Park just behind City Hall near Hurontario (Hwy 10), this venue is really not an oval at all - but rather a recreational skating path. The name derives from the path's approximate 250 m configuration which is roughly made up of 3 corners and 3 straightaways - one of which is bent enough to necessitate a mid-stride cross-over. For skaters of our modest caliber, the track is navigable on long track skates at moderately high speed - although Turn 3 often takes one to the brink of sparking across the adjacent brick paving and local legend says at least one skater has crashed into the concrete fountain beside Turn 1.
Gage Park is open to the public all the time and so we go at 7 am on weekends to avoid the crowds. As the first flood is not until 8 am, our standard warm-up includes laps in both directions pushing our own snow shovels to remove the debris left behind by hundreds of skaters who partied well past midnight on the previous evening. Although this generally consists of snow and coffee cup lids, our shovels have been known to collect broken glass and discarded double-A batteries - known enemies of the lovingly hand-sharpened blade. The local squirrels who inhabit the branches overhanging the track also contribute leafs, branches and acorns to this high-performance ice surface. Our favourite, however, is the nightly visits by security guards who actually drive their patrol car on the ice leaving behind behind tire tracks of salt and sand. To them, we are indebted for our well-practiced sharpening skills. Standard post-practice protocol includes washing the salt from your blades and guards.
I'm reminded of this, as Gage Park opened for the season this week and we were there this morning at 6:45 am suiting up in our portable 4-wheeled change rooms in the nearby parking lot. Conditions with a wind-chill of only -11C were not too bad with a full set of underwear covered by a hooded skin-suit, toque, jersey, double-mittens and skater covers with toe warmers. Track-side water bottles need to be turned upside down to keep the freezing water flowing out the spout. Friends Larry (Masters 40-44 pictured below in Turn 3) and Julius (master in another 12 years) joined in this morning's workout which still made us sweat despite the chilly temperature.
One additional bit of trivia about the Gage Park Tri-Oval is that it was used as a set to mimic Madison Wisconsin in the 1996 film - A Brother’s Promise – The Dan Jansen Story
I know we're not the only covered oval-deprived skate fanatics out there and often wonder what it's like outdoors in New Brunswick, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, northern Alberta, British Columbia and parts of the USA where conditions are likely to make Gage Park seem like a tropical paradise. MSS News would like to hear about your Home Oval. Click on comments (below), select "Other" as your identity, enter your name and tell your story. All clean, politically-correct, censor board-approved submissions will be posted. Or even better, e-mail us your story and a photo for posting on this site.
When you read these stories, you know you have to love this sport to do it!
Friday, December 01, 2006
MASTERS ICE RACING CHALLENGE
Ian Mellors, of the Banff-Canmore Speed Skating Club, has just provided MSS News with Information and a Registration Form which can be seen at Info/Entry
Ian advises that the event already has at least 10 outside-Alberta skaters registered and he expects at least another 10 from within the province, hopefully more. Ian reports that he's "been receiving good feedback from the Masters at the local meets" and that "everyone is quite excited".
If you're a masters short-tracker, this is your chance to be a part of history in the first-ever "Unofficial Canadian Masters Short Track Championships" to be held December 29 to 30, 2006 in the Canmore Recreation Centre in Canmore Alberta.
Ian advises that the event already has at least 10 outside-Alberta skaters registered and he expects at least another 10 from within the province, hopefully more. Ian reports that he's "been receiving good feedback from the Masters at the local meets" and that "everyone is quite excited".
If you're a masters short-tracker, this is your chance to be a part of history in the first-ever "Unofficial Canadian Masters Short Track Championships" to be held December 29 to 30, 2006 in the Canmore Recreation Centre in Canmore Alberta.
Thursday, November 30, 2006
QUEBEC MARATHONS
Masters skaters made up thirty-six, of forty-seven participants, in the 25 km event and thirty, of thirty-four competitors, in the 40 km race at the Gaétan Boucher Oval in Québec City during November 25 to 26. Conditions were ideal for skaters, officials, lap counters and coaches who all enjoyed the unusually sunny warm calm weather.
Overall winners were as follows:
25 KM - WOMEN
1st - Suzanne Dionne (40-49 years)
2nd - Dominique Lalonde (20-29 years)
3rd - Suzanne Tousignant (40-49 years)
25 KM - MEN
1st - Girard Othenin (20-29 years)
2nd - Bob Laurence (50-59 years)
3rd - Jim Cornell (40-49 years)
See complete 25 KM Results (64 laps)
40 KM - WOMEN
1st - Suzanne Dionne (40-49 years)
2nd - Dominique Lalonde (20-29 years)
3rd - Suzanne Tousignant (40-49 years)
40 KM - MEN
1st - Bob Laurence (50-59 years)
2nd - Jim Cornell (40-49 years)
3rd - Sergio Almarella (30-39 years)
See complete 40 KM Results (103 laps)
The 40 KM event featured a rolling start with the first lap led out by Paisley Perrie (10-19 years) and Canadian Speed Skating Hall of Fame member Pierre Gagné (70-79 years) - see photo.
Many thanks to event organizers and volunteers including Gaétan Rochette and Pierre Gagné.
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
CALGARY 2007 – HOTELS
According to the IMSSG site, the Ramada Hotel has been added to the list of hotels for the Calgary World Masters Championships in February –for booking information please consult: www.imssg.org/RamadaHotel.htm. Also, the organizers encourage those currently booked at the Four Points Sheraton to consider changing their reservation to the Ramada because of its more convenient location near the train and public transport. The masters booked at the Four Points Sheraton should also make sure that their reservation is uninterrupted and without transfer to another hotel near the airport on February 23 and 24.
Report and english translation courtesy of Anika Bédard
Report and english translation courtesy of Anika Bédard
Monday, November 27, 2006
PROVINCIAL SPRINT COMPETITION IN SAINTE-FOY
The first provincial long track sprint competition was held November 18-19, 2006 at the Gaetan Boucher Oval in Sainte-Foy, only two weeks after the opening of the oval. Close to 70 skaters of all ages registered, but only 5 masters took part to this event. The weather conditions were for once perfect with temperature around 5C and no wind, which is quite unusual if you ever skated in Sainte-Foy!
Benoit Lamarche (Masters 40-45), former Olympian, showed us that he is still in shape with times at the 500m and 1000m of 40.42 sec and 1:20.29 min respectively, finishing in the top 8 skaters in 3 of the 4 races. Maurice Gagné (Masters 60-65) came back strong this year with 52.63 sec for the 500m and 1:52.29 min for the 1000m. In the Masters Woman 40-45, Anika Bédard improved her 1000m Canadian record (Canadian Master Championships - March 2006) by 4 seconds with a time of 1:44.21 min. After the races, pursuit teams were organised according to the ranks/times and some masters joined the younger skaters for these fun and unofficial races of 4 or 6 laps.
For complete results, please consult: http://www.fpvq.org/doc/Resultats/Resultats.pdf
Report by Anika Bédard
English translation by Anika Bédard
Benoit Lamarche (Masters 40-45), former Olympian, showed us that he is still in shape with times at the 500m and 1000m of 40.42 sec and 1:20.29 min respectively, finishing in the top 8 skaters in 3 of the 4 races. Maurice Gagné (Masters 60-65) came back strong this year with 52.63 sec for the 500m and 1:52.29 min for the 1000m. In the Masters Woman 40-45, Anika Bédard improved her 1000m Canadian record (Canadian Master Championships - March 2006) by 4 seconds with a time of 1:44.21 min. After the races, pursuit teams were organised according to the ranks/times and some masters joined the younger skaters for these fun and unofficial races of 4 or 6 laps.
For complete results, please consult: http://www.fpvq.org/doc/Resultats/Resultats.pdf
Report by Anika Bédard
English translation by Anika Bédard
Saturday, November 18, 2006
LAKE PLACID NEWS
Latest News on Dimon Sports Website reports that the Bunnie Sheffield Speed Skating Oval in Lake Placid New York is scheduled to open for the season on December 2 - 3, 2006. Operating hours for the Oval, which was the venue for the 1980 Olympics where Eric Heiden won 5 gold medals in speed skating, can be seen here. A live webcam showing oval conditions can be seen
here.
Upcoming events, of possible interest to masters speed skaters, include:
- the Charles Jewtraw All-Round meet on December 9 - 10, 2006
- the Dimon Sports Marathon on December 16 - 17, 2006, and
- the Jack Shea Sprint Classic on January 6 - 7, 2007.
Many thanks to John Dimon for organizing these events and for supporting speed skating in the Lake Placid area.
here.
Upcoming events, of possible interest to masters speed skaters, include:
- the Charles Jewtraw All-Round meet on December 9 - 10, 2006
- the Dimon Sports Marathon on December 16 - 17, 2006, and
- the Jack Shea Sprint Classic on January 6 - 7, 2007.
Many thanks to John Dimon for organizing these events and for supporting speed skating in the Lake Placid area.
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
SHORT TRACK REPORT FROM SASKATCHEWAN
Many thanks to Mickey Kupchyk of Regina who filed the following report:
"The records were dropping like leaves at the Saskferco Fall Classic short-track speed skating meet in Regina this past weekend.
Brad Hudey, of the Regina Speed Skating Club, broke the Canadian Masters 2 records in the 777m, 1000m, and 1500m with times of 1:15.35, 1:41.21, and 2:35.46 respectively. He also set a new Provincial record in the 500m with a time of 49:30. Brad was really flying out there this weekend. In all four of his record breaking events he immediately took the lead at the gun and skated each race like a pursuit with no drafting at all. At one point in the 1500m he clocked back-to-back 9.7 and 9.8 second laps!
Unfortunately once again, Brad’s Canadian records won’t stand because he chose to skate with the kids in Group 1 rather than skate in the Masters division. But, for those of you who don’t know Brad, the records don’t mean anything to him – he just loves to skate and compete with fastest people possible. He never stops smiling when he’s racing.
In the Masters division Bill Christ (Masters 2) of Regina cleaned up winning all four heats and finals.
Mickey Kupchyk had a pretty good weekend as well finishing second overall in the Masters division. Mickey set new Provincial Masters 3 records in the 500m, 777m, 1000m, and 1500m with times of 0:56.24, 1:29.40, 1:56.52, and 2:58.18 respectively."
"The records were dropping like leaves at the Saskferco Fall Classic short-track speed skating meet in Regina this past weekend.
Brad Hudey, of the Regina Speed Skating Club, broke the Canadian Masters 2 records in the 777m, 1000m, and 1500m with times of 1:15.35, 1:41.21, and 2:35.46 respectively. He also set a new Provincial record in the 500m with a time of 49:30. Brad was really flying out there this weekend. In all four of his record breaking events he immediately took the lead at the gun and skated each race like a pursuit with no drafting at all. At one point in the 1500m he clocked back-to-back 9.7 and 9.8 second laps!
Unfortunately once again, Brad’s Canadian records won’t stand because he chose to skate with the kids in Group 1 rather than skate in the Masters division. But, for those of you who don’t know Brad, the records don’t mean anything to him – he just loves to skate and compete with fastest people possible. He never stops smiling when he’s racing.
In the Masters division Bill Christ (Masters 2) of Regina cleaned up winning all four heats and finals.
Mickey Kupchyk had a pretty good weekend as well finishing second overall in the Masters division. Mickey set new Provincial Masters 3 records in the 500m, 777m, 1000m, and 1500m with times of 0:56.24, 1:29.40, 1:56.52, and 2:58.18 respectively."
Sunday, November 12, 2006
AMERICAN MASTERS WANTED!
Andrew Love has posted an excellent article on his website about his experiences competing in international masters meets and calling for more American entries to the 16th Masters International Speed Skating Games at Calgary's Olympic Oval during February 22 to 25, 2007.
See American Masters! Attention! at Zen and the Art of Speedskating
As a world record holder in 500 m (men 30 & 35), 1000 m (men 35) and sprint points (men 30 & 35) - Andrew should count himself amongst the many American skaters who represent the best of this sport. Andrew also recently placed 5th in men's 500 m in the US Single Distance Championships / Fall World Cup Qualifier held October 19 to 22, 2006 at the Pettit National Ice Center in Milwaukee - clocking 37.12 and racing against skaters of all ages!
Many thanks to Andrew for his inspiration and leadership.
See American Masters! Attention! at Zen and the Art of Speedskating
As a world record holder in 500 m (men 30 & 35), 1000 m (men 35) and sprint points (men 30 & 35) - Andrew should count himself amongst the many American skaters who represent the best of this sport. Andrew also recently placed 5th in men's 500 m in the US Single Distance Championships / Fall World Cup Qualifier held October 19 to 22, 2006 at the Pettit National Ice Center in Milwaukee - clocking 37.12 and racing against skaters of all ages!
Many thanks to Andrew for his inspiration and leadership.
Friday, November 10, 2006
MASTERS INTERNATIONAL SHORT TRACK CHAMPIONSHIPS - REPORT
Jim White, of the West Allis Wisconsin Speed Skating Club, sent the following report regarding the 1st Masters International Short Track Speed Skating Championships held November 4 to 5, 2006 in the Pettit National Ice Centre in Milwaukee:
The first Masters International Short Track meet has concluded with 4 age group winners, one yellow card, zero injuries, and 100% skaters who enjoyed the weekend. This meet was held at Pettit November 4-5 in conjunction withthe Great Lakes Short Track Championship, and in the spirit of the classic Masters International Long Track meet.
The meet was designed to give everyone a variety of skating. Heats were divided by age. Finals were determined by finishing position in heats, so skaters of all ages were together with other skaters of similar speed. There was plenty of time between Masters races to recover and to watch Great Lakes races.
For men, overall and 30's age group winner was Scott Schuyler, of the Metro's club. John Cassady came from Texas to win the 40's group, and placed second overall. 50's top spot was won by Steve Penland of Glen Ellyn, and 60's byJim White of West Allis. Woman's 40's was won by Cathy Carrabre of Plymouth, while 50's winner was Diane Crossfield of Madison.
The yellow card was awarded to Jim Hundt who tried a desperation pass to the right at the finish of the 1000. Although he seemed to have the race won, the other skater at the line veered right (whether due to malice or awkwardness, we'll never know), sending Jim sliding into the pads, yet standing. If you know Jim, he stands well above the pads and carries plenty of weight, so he slid along directly in front of the judges and timers, clearing whatever / whomever was on top of the pads, and finally reaching the lap counter and scattering the lap number signs onto the ice. For this, he was given a yellow card by the head referee, although the ref was laughing so hard he apparently forgot to have the penalty officially recorded.
The second annual Masters International Short Track meet will be held next fall at Pettit. Jim Hundt has promised to try hard to stay away from the lap signs.
Full results are at http://www.wassc.org/
The first Masters International Short Track meet has concluded with 4 age group winners, one yellow card, zero injuries, and 100% skaters who enjoyed the weekend. This meet was held at Pettit November 4-5 in conjunction withthe Great Lakes Short Track Championship, and in the spirit of the classic Masters International Long Track meet.
The meet was designed to give everyone a variety of skating. Heats were divided by age. Finals were determined by finishing position in heats, so skaters of all ages were together with other skaters of similar speed. There was plenty of time between Masters races to recover and to watch Great Lakes races.
For men, overall and 30's age group winner was Scott Schuyler, of the Metro's club. John Cassady came from Texas to win the 40's group, and placed second overall. 50's top spot was won by Steve Penland of Glen Ellyn, and 60's byJim White of West Allis. Woman's 40's was won by Cathy Carrabre of Plymouth, while 50's winner was Diane Crossfield of Madison.
The yellow card was awarded to Jim Hundt who tried a desperation pass to the right at the finish of the 1000. Although he seemed to have the race won, the other skater at the line veered right (whether due to malice or awkwardness, we'll never know), sending Jim sliding into the pads, yet standing. If you know Jim, he stands well above the pads and carries plenty of weight, so he slid along directly in front of the judges and timers, clearing whatever / whomever was on top of the pads, and finally reaching the lap counter and scattering the lap number signs onto the ice. For this, he was given a yellow card by the head referee, although the ref was laughing so hard he apparently forgot to have the penalty officially recorded.
The second annual Masters International Short Track meet will be held next fall at Pettit. Jim Hundt has promised to try hard to stay away from the lap signs.
Full results are at http://www.wassc.org/
Monday, November 06, 2006
QUÉBEC MARATHON
The group Les Patineurs Maîtres de Québec is organising November 25 and 26, 2006 a marathon weekend at the Gaetan Boucher Oval in Quebec. Two races will be held: 25km and 40km. For more information consult: http://www.marathonskating.org/indexf.htm
CALGARY 2007 – STATE OF ENTRIES
According to the ISU Master Speed Skating Group (IMSSG) latest news, the reserved quota of 91 for Canadian competitors has already been reached! This is a fantastic turnout and should provide a great level of competition. The quota of 70 skaters for the Netherlands has also been reached. As for the other countries, as of today, here are the details (registration and quota): Germany 15 entries out of 41, Norway 50 entries out of 60, U.S.A. 11 entries out of 51 and other countries 33 entries out of 41. After December 10, 2006, all unused places will be awarded to those registered on the wait list. For Canadian skaters who wish to register now, their name will be added to this wait list.
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
OLYMPIC OVAL INVITATIONAL - MASTERS REPORT
Brett Arnason, interim Canadian representative to the IMSSC, sent the following report regarding masters speed skaters who recently competed in the Olympic Oval Invitational Meet held October 20 - 22 in Calgary:
On Wednesday October 18, 2006 I received an email from Mickey Kupchyk advising that he was off to race in Calgary. I had not given it a thought before that but decided at the last moment to pay the late fee and book a flight. No skating in Winnipeg yet and it would be a great way to find out if my training all summer was going to help.
I arrived at 3:00 p.m. and headed for the oval. Mickey arrived at Calgary an hour later and we proceeded to get the feel of the ice at around 6:30 p.m.
After about ½ hour I saw Mickey hobbling off the ice. His blade on one skate had separated from the tube and it was not useable. A few minutes later while practicing a start I tumble head over heels and banged my knee. The bolt on the back of my left skate had come apart and blown out sideways. It wasn’t looking good for either of us.
I had spare parts and was able to make repairs and was ready to go in the morning. A little ice on the knee and I was ready for action. It took Mickey all morning to get new blades, rocker them, sharpen them, and try to get used to them.
The masters that I knew were Lynn Sugden, Bob Irvine, Mickey Kupchyk, Tom Levesque, and Cliff Morrison.
500 meter times for Lynn, Bob and myself were all unofficial 500 meter record times with Lynn opening with a 42.66, followed by Bob with a 42.93, and Brett with a 43.06.
It is early in the year and the times indicate that the Master’s 3 group from the West will be competitive.
See full Results
On Wednesday October 18, 2006 I received an email from Mickey Kupchyk advising that he was off to race in Calgary. I had not given it a thought before that but decided at the last moment to pay the late fee and book a flight. No skating in Winnipeg yet and it would be a great way to find out if my training all summer was going to help.
I arrived at 3:00 p.m. and headed for the oval. Mickey arrived at Calgary an hour later and we proceeded to get the feel of the ice at around 6:30 p.m.
After about ½ hour I saw Mickey hobbling off the ice. His blade on one skate had separated from the tube and it was not useable. A few minutes later while practicing a start I tumble head over heels and banged my knee. The bolt on the back of my left skate had come apart and blown out sideways. It wasn’t looking good for either of us.
I had spare parts and was able to make repairs and was ready to go in the morning. A little ice on the knee and I was ready for action. It took Mickey all morning to get new blades, rocker them, sharpen them, and try to get used to them.
The masters that I knew were Lynn Sugden, Bob Irvine, Mickey Kupchyk, Tom Levesque, and Cliff Morrison.
500 meter times for Lynn, Bob and myself were all unofficial 500 meter record times with Lynn opening with a 42.66, followed by Bob with a 42.93, and Brett with a 43.06.
It is early in the year and the times indicate that the Master’s 3 group from the West will be competitive.
See full Results
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
16th IMSSC GAMES CALGARY - CANADIAN ENTRIES
Interim Canadian representative to the International Masters Speed Skating Committee, Brett Arnason, has advised today that currently 61 Canadians have registered for the 16th International Masters Speed Skating Games. The event, which has openings for 353 masters skaters from around the world, is scheduled for Calgary's Olympic Oval during February 22 to 25, 2007. This is an encouraging response given that registration only began on October 7. It indicates that the 91 places currently reserved for Canadians may soon be gone if this trend continues.
Brett has asked MSS News to remind interested participants that entries are registered on a first-come, first served basis, and to clarify there is no process of skater qualification. Hopeful competitors are encouraged to submit their entry as soon as possible. After December 10, 2006 - unused places in the Canadian quota may be awarded to other nations who have exceeded their quota.
Complete event information and entry forms are available at http://www.imssg.org/07anncalgary.pdf
Brett has asked MSS News to remind interested participants that entries are registered on a first-come, first served basis, and to clarify there is no process of skater qualification. Hopeful competitors are encouraged to submit their entry as soon as possible. After December 10, 2006 - unused places in the Canadian quota may be awarded to other nations who have exceeded their quota.
Complete event information and entry forms are available at http://www.imssg.org/07anncalgary.pdf
Saturday, October 07, 2006
16th IMSSC GAMES, CALGARY - REGISTRATION OPENS
Event information and registration form for the 16th International Masters Speed Skating Games, scheduled for February 22 to 25, 2007 in Calgary's Olympic Oval, is now available at http://www.imssg.org/07anncalgary.pdf
As competitor interest is anticipated to be very high, hopeful participants should take note of the registration dates and nation quota numbers detailed in this information.
As competitor interest is anticipated to be very high, hopeful participants should take note of the registration dates and nation quota numbers detailed in this information.
Monday, September 25, 2006
MASTERS ICE RACING CHALLENGE
The Banff/Canmore Speed Skating Club is trying to develop an annual short track race which attracts masters skaters from across Canada to compete against each other.
This year, the organizers will be running the competition in combination with the Banff/Canmore SSC's annual ability meet, but they would like to develop the race so that it would become a Masters-only event that is held at different locations around the country.
For further event information, see http://home.cogeco.ca/~mss/Masters%20Ice%20Racing%20Challenge.doc
This year, the organizers will be running the competition in combination with the Banff/Canmore SSC's annual ability meet, but they would like to develop the race so that it would become a Masters-only event that is held at different locations around the country.
For further event information, see http://home.cogeco.ca/~mss/Masters%20Ice%20Racing%20Challenge.doc
Friday, September 22, 2006
MASTERS INTERNATIONAL SHORT TRACK CHAMPIONSHIPS
The West Allis Speedskating Club is hosting this event at the Pettit National Ice Center in Milwaukee Wisconsin during November 4 - 5, 2006. Additional event information and an entry form is now available.
Friday, September 15, 2006
JOURNEY OF SOUND & LIGHT
Ontario master speed skater, Kevin Frost, recently sent MSS News his own story of personal success...
At a young age he was very active and always on the go. Born in Victoria, B.C. in 1967, he moved with his family to Ottawa in 1972 to begin his life. Always athletic, Kevin played baseball from T-ball through to the Nepean Canadians, and in hockey he played novice through juvenile, he wanted to play Jr. B but he was too small. He also refereed hockey for 25 years, working over 20,000 games!!! He was a paper boy for seven years, cut grass and worked at outdoor rinks for four years. He also worked for a local grocery chain for 16 years. A job he loved very much.
When Kevin was 11-years-old, his math teacher mentioned to his parents that Kevin wasn’t listening well in class. Kevin learned at the age 11 that he had only 25 per cent of his hearing left. As a result, he taught himself to lip read at a young age. He continued going to school despite having to deal with teasing and bullying because of his disability. He attended Gloucester High School for his finals years of school.
When Kevin was 30-years-old, he began walking into walls, tripping over his kids, and his night vision was getting worse. Kevin was too busy being a workaholic to think anything was really wrong. Kevin got his eyes tested.
The doctor told Kevin the shocking news that he was suffering from Usher’s Syndrome. This diagnosis was not positive. The doctor told Kevin you lose your hearing at a young age and your vision later in life. The diagnosis meant losing his drivers licence, his job with the grocery chain and his job refereeing for safety reasons.....
So at 32-years-old Kevin Frost had hit a brick wall. He was left asking himself - what do I do for the now? Well with the help of CNIB, family and friends, he decided that he didn’t want to sit around and do nothing. Instead, he got involved with disability sports groups. He joined a blind dragon boat team called ‘Dragon Eyes’ and also did some tandem biking. That year his dragon boating team even finished first in their division against able bodied paddlers!
Then another great thing happened to Kevin, he got a guide dog name Nemo. With the help of this adorable Labrador retriever Kevin gained a great deal independence.
At 36-years-old, with five per cent vision and 10 per cent hearing, his wife got him back on blades to try something he always had a passion for...skating. However, this was not hockey skating, this time it was speed skating! After trying it for a year Kevin’s coach Ron Guerrard said, “Why don’t you compete against able bodied speed skaters?”
Fast forward two years and 120 races in short and long track later, and Kevin has won four gold, four silver, and seven bronze medals against able bodied skaters.
His future dreams include trying to make speed skating an official Paralympic event by making it a demonstration sport at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. Next year Kevin will attend the World Masters Long Track Championships in Calgary. He hopes someday to travel the world competing in speed skating competitions.
Kevin’s other goals include educating schools, businesses, and the Ottawa Police on how to properly deal with deaf, blind, deaf-blind and guide dogs in everyday life. Kevin believes we all need to know how to deal with disabled people in our community.
Kevin believes he owes all his success in speed skating to his sponsors who have helped him get this far. Without them this wouldn’t have happened!!! When his journey is complete, Kevin plans on opening a foundation with the funds that remain in order to help other disabled athletes achieve their Olympic dreams.
If you would like more info on Kevin's journey go to http://www.deafblindspeedskater.com/
At a young age he was very active and always on the go. Born in Victoria, B.C. in 1967, he moved with his family to Ottawa in 1972 to begin his life. Always athletic, Kevin played baseball from T-ball through to the Nepean Canadians, and in hockey he played novice through juvenile, he wanted to play Jr. B but he was too small. He also refereed hockey for 25 years, working over 20,000 games!!! He was a paper boy for seven years, cut grass and worked at outdoor rinks for four years. He also worked for a local grocery chain for 16 years. A job he loved very much.
When Kevin was 11-years-old, his math teacher mentioned to his parents that Kevin wasn’t listening well in class. Kevin learned at the age 11 that he had only 25 per cent of his hearing left. As a result, he taught himself to lip read at a young age. He continued going to school despite having to deal with teasing and bullying because of his disability. He attended Gloucester High School for his finals years of school.
When Kevin was 30-years-old, he began walking into walls, tripping over his kids, and his night vision was getting worse. Kevin was too busy being a workaholic to think anything was really wrong. Kevin got his eyes tested.
The doctor told Kevin the shocking news that he was suffering from Usher’s Syndrome. This diagnosis was not positive. The doctor told Kevin you lose your hearing at a young age and your vision later in life. The diagnosis meant losing his drivers licence, his job with the grocery chain and his job refereeing for safety reasons.....
So at 32-years-old Kevin Frost had hit a brick wall. He was left asking himself - what do I do for the now? Well with the help of CNIB, family and friends, he decided that he didn’t want to sit around and do nothing. Instead, he got involved with disability sports groups. He joined a blind dragon boat team called ‘Dragon Eyes’ and also did some tandem biking. That year his dragon boating team even finished first in their division against able bodied paddlers!
Then another great thing happened to Kevin, he got a guide dog name Nemo. With the help of this adorable Labrador retriever Kevin gained a great deal independence.
At 36-years-old, with five per cent vision and 10 per cent hearing, his wife got him back on blades to try something he always had a passion for...skating. However, this was not hockey skating, this time it was speed skating! After trying it for a year Kevin’s coach Ron Guerrard said, “Why don’t you compete against able bodied speed skaters?”
Fast forward two years and 120 races in short and long track later, and Kevin has won four gold, four silver, and seven bronze medals against able bodied skaters.
His future dreams include trying to make speed skating an official Paralympic event by making it a demonstration sport at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. Next year Kevin will attend the World Masters Long Track Championships in Calgary. He hopes someday to travel the world competing in speed skating competitions.
Kevin’s other goals include educating schools, businesses, and the Ottawa Police on how to properly deal with deaf, blind, deaf-blind and guide dogs in everyday life. Kevin believes we all need to know how to deal with disabled people in our community.
Kevin believes he owes all his success in speed skating to his sponsors who have helped him get this far. Without them this wouldn’t have happened!!! When his journey is complete, Kevin plans on opening a foundation with the funds that remain in order to help other disabled athletes achieve their Olympic dreams.
If you would like more info on Kevin's journey go to http://www.deafblindspeedskater.com/
DREAM BIG DINNER
The Ontario Speed Skating Oval is organizing a cocktail reception and dinner for Thursday, November 2, 2006 at the Evinrude Centre in Peterborough Ontario. The event, which starts at 6:00 pm, will give participants the opportunity to meet olympic champion and world record holder Catriona Le May Doan - the fastest woman on ice.
For event details and ticket information - see http://home.cogeco.ca/~mss/DreamBigDinner.doc
For more information about the Ontario Oval project - see http://www.ontariospeedskatingoval.com/
For event details and ticket information - see http://home.cogeco.ca/~mss/DreamBigDinner.doc
For more information about the Ontario Oval project - see http://www.ontariospeedskatingoval.com/
Saturday, September 09, 2006
IMSSC CALGARY GAMES - CANADA/USA PARTICIPANTS
In the recent post re: IMSSC Calgary Games Schedule Change, I incorrectly reported the number of entries allocated to Canadian and USA skaters. The article should have stated that the quota for Canadian skaters is 91 and the quota for USA skaters is 50.
See Item 3 at http://www.imssg.org/MIS061%20Minutes%2024th%20Session%20IMSSC%20Helsinki%20FIN%2004-49.pdf
My apologies for any confusion this error may have created.
See Item 3 at http://www.imssg.org/MIS061%20Minutes%2024th%20Session%20IMSSC%20Helsinki%20FIN%2004-49.pdf
My apologies for any confusion this error may have created.
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