Registration for Speed Skate 1 (SS1) opens September 14 for an early October start date (TBD) at YK Arena. We have four SS1 classes this year: Saturdays 10-11 and 11-12; and Sundays 11-12 and 12-1. Only 17 skaters will be allowed to register for each of these classes, leaving room for 3 coaches and helpers.
SS1 is for kids approximately 5-8 years old. Starts, stops, basic position and technique are introduced by non-competitive games of sustained activity. Parents will not be allowed on the ice this year due to the NWTASSA Safe Return to Skate Guidelines.
Unfortunately, these programs will not be offered in the 2020-21 season. As per the NWTASSA Return To Ice Guidelines, there is a limed number of skaters we can have on the ice at a time. Therefore, YKSSC has decided to expand the SS1 sessions (to 4 sessions a week) and focus on maximizing the number of kids we can have skating on their own (without parent) on the ice. As per the guidelines, we also can not have people on the ice over the age of 19 without special permission or exception, which is why we can not offer the Adult Learn to Speed Skate program this year. We will continue to work on the guidelines for both of these Programs for the 2021-22 season in the case they are needed.
YKSSC takes the health and safety of all of our skaters, coaches and families very seriously. Due to the closure of all City of Yellowknife facilities (as of Wednesday, March 18) and to limit the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the Executive has made the difficult decision to cancel the remainder of the 2019-20 season, effective immediately.
YKSSC encourages skaters and families to take care of themselves and others by washing hands thoroughly, staying home if ill, helping neighbours in need, and social distancing where possible.
Stay tuned for our year end party and AGM, which we will have when we can all socialize again
Northwest Territories Amateur Speed Skating Association (NWTASSA) is accepting applications for a part-time sport administrator. Click here to download the job description. To apply, please email NWTASSA president, Alex Clinton at aclinton@theedge.ca. Closing date March 10, 2020.
The NWTSSA will host annual territorial-wide meet for NWT Clubs on February 29 – March 1, 2020. This ability meet included all ages and abilities of skaters. Registration is now open and will close February 14, 2020.
Mark your calendars for the NWT Champs Meet, scheduled for February 29 – March 1in Yellowknife. This meet is hosted by the NWTASSA and brings together all territorial clubs for an exciting two days of racing! Stay tuned for more details on volunteering and registration, which will likely open at the end of January.
AWG Trials for the Speed Skating NWT Team are happening Friday, January 24 (6:00 – 9:00 PM) and Saturday, January 25 (8:30 – 11:30 AM). Come out to Ed Jeske arena to watch some great races and cheer on our skaters!
If you are interested in helping out, we are still looking for some volunteers to make the Trials run as smoothly as possible. Martin will be holding an Officials course for anyone interested on Thursday January 23 from 7:00 – 9:30. Please contact Martin for more information.
On Saturday, November 30, 2019 the Club will be hosting its first meet of the season for all ages and abilities of skaters. The Ability Meet Information Flyer and Registration Form can be found on the Ability Meet page of our website. You can fill out the registration form on your computer and email it to ykspeedskating.reg@gmail.com or if you prefer you can print it out and give it to Jody or Myra. Deadline to register is Monday, November 18, 2019.
The registration fee of $20 (Rockets are FREE!) can be sent via EMT to ykspeedskating.regs@gmail.com. Please be sure to use the password “yellowknife” and indicate which skater your transfer is for. If you prefer, cash or cheque (make out to YKSSC) can be given to Jody or Myra.
Many volunteers are required to run this meet (set-up, timing, recording, lap-counting, water, runners, etc) so we need your help! Training and direction will be provided on Friday evening (November 29). If you are interested, please email Martin.
Thank you to Jana Dunn who is our Food Coordinator this year! If you can help us feed our volunteers on the Meet day, please send her an email.
As a fundraiser for the kids who travel to out-of-town meets, we will have a 50/50 Draw and Silent Auction during the Ability Meet. We have asked all skaters who travel to provide a new/used in good condition item for the Silent Auction. Please support their efforts and make some bids! If you are interested in contributing anything to this fundraiser, thank you very much and please let Martin know.