Seven years after Canada won five long track speed skating medals at the Richmond Olympic Oval during the 2010 Olympic Winter Games, speed skating of the short track variety makes its return with the V-Rrooom Challenge III on Saturday.
The event is hosted by the Richmond Rockets and Vancouver Velocity short track speed skating clubs and is the largest interclub competition in the province. Approximately 160 skaters from Canada and the United States will compete in what is known as ‘The Fastest Sport on Ice’.
“The V-Rrooom Challenge is an excellent opportunity for our skaters to perform in their last competition prior to provincials,” explained Don Mah, president of the Rockets.
“It is also an excellent opportunity for local youth to witness the excitement and speed of this sport up close and obtain information about joining our club.”
Speed Skating is a family friendly, volunteer-driven sport, with 24 clubs in B.C.
Skaters in competition regularly achieve speeds in excess of 50-kilometers an hour, quite the thrill for the majority in the sport that have not earned their driver’s licenses yet.
For those that witness the V-Rrooom Challenge and want to try speed skating for themselves, the Richmond Rockets offer free “Try Speed Skating” sessions on Thursdays at 6:15 p.m. at the Richmond Olympic Oval, including skate rentals and basic equipment
