Speed skaters get send off

About 15 members of the territory’s speed skating association were at city council this week as eight members were recognized by the mayor and council for their achievements.

Eight of the association’s members are off to compete in the Canada Winter Games in Bathurst, New Brunswick, next week. It is the first time Nunavut has competed at the games. Initially the speed skaters were the only team invited, but a lone badminton player is also competing.

Dressed in their red hooded sweatshirts with “Catch Me if You Can” written on one sleeve, the participants were invited up one at a time to receive a T-shirt, and a bag of pins and Iqaluit paraphernalia from Mayor John Matthews to bring with them on their trip.

Matthews said he had heard the association was having trouble raising money and, while he couldn’t offer any dollars, the city would help in whatever way it could.

Coach John Maurice said since the community was so generous last year, there haven’t been as many donations this year, but recently the Iqaluit Amateur Hockey Association, the Frobisher Inn and Hanson’s Construction came to bat with some money for the kids.

Each year the association spends between $7,000 and $8,000 in ice fees, and the special speed skates for the kids cost hundreds of dollars as well.

“We’re a small club,” Maurice said, “but we’re producing a high level of achievement. We plan not to come in last place.”

“We want first place,” said a speed skater at the back of the room.