A speedskater races around the rink on Saturday at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre. (rdnewsNOW/Josh Hall)

By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

66 years

Speed skating club and Lions still enjoying long-time partnership

Nov 2, 2019 | 5:03 PM

It’s been 66 years since the Central Lions Club first lent its name to Red Deer speed skaters, and that partnership is going strong just as the skaters are.

On Saturday at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre, the Red Deer Central Lions Speed Skating Club held its annual short track meet featuring racers from around the province.

It was the first time the event has been held somewhere other than the Kinex Arena in quite some time.

Greg Reid with the Central Lions says members thoroughly enjoy serving as timers at the meets throughout the season and contributing money to the skating club on an annual basis.

“There are eight of us out today, and we do it because we like it. We have fun watching the kids and seeing who’s going to progress to nationals or further,” he said. “The speed skating club is probably one of the oldest in Red Deer, so it just carries on.”

20 STUDENTS

Red Deer Catholic students advance in Health Care Aide Program at RDP

13h ago

Concerning numbers

Food bank visits up 90 per cent in Canada, 81 per cent in Red Deer in five years

13h ago

July 2024 Incident

Charge withdrawn for Blackfalds resident accused in collision with pedestrian

15h ago

Members of the Red Deer Central Lions Club have now been contributing financially and by volunteering at meets for Red Deer speed skaters for 66 years. (rdnewsNOW/Josh Hall)

The Central Lions were honoured this summer with a the Partner of the Year – Sport Champion award from Speed Skating Canada for their long-time support of local skaters.

Next up for the speed skating club is the 2nd annual Jeremy Wotherspoon Classic at the new oval at Setters Place. That takes place in January. Then from February 8-9, the organization will host the Canadian Youth Long Track Championships, also at Setters Place.

Head coach Nick Schultz spoke about excitement within the organization with that event on the horizon.

“I think the Canada Winter Games and the success of the Games really showed we have a solid venue and an organizing committee that can put on a national event,” he said, adding in a pitch to anyone looking for a new sport to join.

“We are a family-oriented club,” he said. “And in comparison to other winter sports, it’s very economical, and there’s no expectation for travel.”

More details are at RedDeerSpeedSkating.com.