Up-and-coming Delta speed skater Justin Russell continued his impressive season with a fine performance last weekend in Burnaby.
The 16-year-old member of the Richmond Rockets Speed Skating Club's High Performance Development Program is gearing up for next month's national qualifying race in Calgary.
"It was great getting back on the ice after the holiday break. My racing is progressing well," Russell said. "I'm really looking forward to Calgary."
The Rockets are coached by Chris Action - a former national speed skating team member who was named B.C. Speed Skating Association's coach of the year in 2009-10.
"I'm seeing our skaters' hard training really paying off. Their technique is continuing to improve and it's helping them set faster times," remarked Acton.
For the first time, the Rockets will host a short track speed skating race March 16 at the Richmond Olympic Oval.
Spectators can expect to see skaters from Metro Vancouver and Vancouver Island participating. This fun FUNale is a yearend event that gives skaters one more chance to race before the season ends.
It's a great opportunity for local spectators to watch short track speed skating in a world class facility.
The Rockets feature over 30 members from throughout the Lower Mainland, ranging in age from five to over 60.
The club offers a free introductory class.
They also have a six-lesson Learn to Skate session for those wanting a bigger taste of the speed skating experience.
For more information visit their Richmond Rockets Speed Skating website richmondrockets.org or contact richmondspeedskating@gmail.com
