SPEED SKATING NEWS

Vernon Skater Sets New Record

By Jan Mansfield/BC Games News Service

Thirteen-year-old Connie Kapak, one of speed skating's brightest rising stars, set a new 400m. provincial record Saturday at the Greater Vernon 2012 BC Winter Games before a hometown crowd. She crossed the finish line in a time of 42.76, breaking the previous record of 43.43 in the Under 14 age class.

Kapak, who has been racing for ten years, said she loves the speed part of speed skating. One of the sport's biggest boosters, she said, "I want to tell other athletes that if they want to try an inexpensive sport, as a hobby or a sport to compete in, try speed skating. It's lots of fun and really challenging. I find it very rewarding."

Kapak also won the Gold medal for her Zone 2 Thompson-Okanagan team. The Silver was won by Callie Swan of Prince George for Zone 8 Cariboo-North East in 42.83. Bronze went to Fraser Valley skater Dallas Hawkes of Chilliwack for her time of 43.16.

2012 BC Winter Games speed skating sport Chair Allen Gray said competition at the Nor-Val Centre in Armstrong has been highly competitive with strong representation from all the provincial zones. "The BC Games gives them that extra level of motivation to shine," he said.

Vernon Skater Sets New Record

By Jan Mansfield/BC Games News Service

Thirteen-year-old Connie Kapak, one of speed skating's brightest rising stars, set a new 400m. provincial record Saturday at the Greater Vernon 2012 BC Winter Games before a hometown crowd.  She crossed the finish line in a time of 42.76, breaking the previous record of 43.43 in the Under 14 age class.

Kapak, who has been racing for ten years, said she loves the speed part of speed skating.  One of the sport's biggest boosters, she said,  "I want to tell other athletes that if they want to try an inexpensive sport, as a hobby or a sport to compete in, try speed skating.  It's lots of fun and really challenging.  I find it very rewarding." 

Kapak also won the Gold medal for her Zone 2 Thompson-Okanagan team. The Silver was won by Callie Swan of Prince George for Zone 8 Cariboo-North East in 42.83. Bronze went to Fraser Valley skater Dallas Hawkes of Chilliwack  for her time of 43.16.

2012 BC Winter Games speed skating sport Chair Allen Gray said competition at the Nor-Val Centre in Armstrong has been highly competitive with strong representation from all the provincial zones.  "The BC Games gives them that extra level of motivation to shine," he said.