For seven local speed skaters, it's a chance
of a lifetime. The 2005 Ontario Provincial Short Track
Championships will take place from March 12-13 at the
Countryside Arena in the South End of Sudbury.
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Sudbury Sprinters Club skaters are
(front) Keegan and Kelsey Pitre, Jared Manchuk and
Kaelyn Pitre; back row, Amber Ranich, Stephan Ayotte
and Caleb Laaper. They will compete at the 2005 Ontario
Provincial Short Track Championships this Saturday and
Sunday at Countryside Arena. This is the first time the
event has been held in the Nickel City. |
It's the first time the event has ever been
held in the Nickel City. There will be more than 200 skaters
competing. Jared Manchuk, Kaelyn, Kelsey and
Keegan Pitre, Caleb Laaper, Amber Ranich and
Stephan Ayotte will compete from the Sudbury Sprinters
club.
Racing starts at 8 am on both days, and
continues through the day, with finals Sunday.
From this event, officials with the Ontario
Speed Skating Association, will select skaters to make up the
provincial squad that will compete in the North American
championships (Milwaukee, March 18-20) and the Canadian
championships (Surrey, B.C., April 1-3).
Sharon Carter, head coach of the Sudbury
Sprinters, is excited about the opportunity to showcase local
talent in front of hometown crowds.
"This is a huge deal for us," said Carter.
"
Admission to the championships is free both
days.
