Speed skaters in Fort St. James broke out their blades for the first time this year at the regions first official fast and long track meet-up on Saturday, Oct. 25.
Speed skaters ranging from eight or nine to 15 and 16 took part in the day long meet up, which while only a preliminary competition, was officially sanctioned meaning that times of skaters will be recorded in the official database.
Sandra Sulyma, one of the organizers involved with the Fort St. James speed skating club, said that this first meet up was mostly for fun.
While this is the first short track meet in Fort St. James this season, Sulyma said that she believes their will be a long track meet in Fort St. James in mid January.
The crowd was enthusiastic with parents, coaches and friends shouting out encouragement to each skater that hit the ice.
Despite the positive ambience of the meet, one young skater did slip, fall and possibly broke his ankle during one of his races. He was subsequently taken to the hospital for further care.
One racer present at the track was Fort St. James local Morgon Bennison who, at 15, will be taking part in the qualifying races for the 2015 Canada Games in Prince George.
While his times don’t guarantee Bennisoon a place in the upcoming Canada Games, he will have the chance to try for one during that meet. Bennison will be racing against racers significantly older than him during the qualifying matches.