Our Programs
Introducing First & Fast Strides
Speed Skating Canada is proud to introduce First & Fast Strides, presented by Bell, our sport’s new skating development program. The program consists of ten different levels, which are divided into two segments. There are benchmark skills to be completed within each level and rewards associated with the achievement of those skills, including pins, stickers and other optional incentives.
First Strides – Learn to Skate
Skaters looking to learn basic skating skills will work their way through four levels of the First Strides segment of the program. Coaches will guide participants through each skating milestone – from their first steps on the ice, to gliding forward and backward around the rink. Levels 1-4 of the program are delivered on ice skates.
Fast Strides – Learn to Speed Skate
Skaters looking to add speed to their skill set will advance through six levels of the Fast Strides segment of the program. Coaches will teach participants how to race on ice, preparing them for friendly competitions or for participation in speed skating events. Levels 5-10 of the program are delivered on speed skates with full safety equipment.
High Performance
Our high performance athletes train specificily for high-calibre events throughout the season whether in Long Track or Short Track. Our athletes have represented us at many national and provincial events including Canadian Western T2T ST Championships, Canadian Youth Long Track, Canada Cup, BC Winter Games, CACLT*, BCLT and BCST
*CACLT was the former format of the current Canadian Youth Long Track Championships. BCLT and BCST have changed formats, but keep the same name.
Special Olympics
Through our partnership Special Olympics British Columbia and Special Olympics Dawson Creek our Special Olympics athletes can not only train with our generic athletes learning from tips from our high performance skaters, volunteer coaches and team members. This opportunity allows them to travel and compete at not only every event our team goes to (with the exception of our HP group events) and also dedicated Special Olympics training camps, events and meets. Our previous Special Olympics athletes have attended the SOBC Winter Games, BC Winter Games and a number of local events both in ST and LT