The Kitsilano Arena, awash with ice skates, discarded layers and jackets, half-full water bottles, and the unmistakable smell of winter sport, is the second home for young speed skaters Anita Frioud, 13, and Ericsson Sing, 14. The pair spend the majority of their after-school hours on or around the ice here, gearing up for their first-ever BC Winter Games, taking place in Vernon in just over a week.
The BC Winter Games, held in a different part of B.C. every two years, see young athletes aged 10 to 18 compete in 15 events ranging from speed skating to hockey to archery. For the majority of the youth, its the first large-scale competition they participate in and, for some, an important first step on the road towards becoming an Olympic-level athlete.
Both Anita and Ericsson, the two youngest members of the Vancouver-Squamish short track team heading to the games, were inspired to start speed skating after watching the sport during the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games.
I thought it looked so easy, says Anita, who also practises piano and Bollywood dance. But the first time out, I couldnt stay on my feet.
The blades on speed skates are flat, not curved like hockey skates, so balance is a key part of the sport. As is practice. For almost two years, aside from twice weekly team practices, Anita and Ericsson stay on track by participating in free skates and coaching young skaters. Anita also figure skateswhich means she only has one day away from the rink a week.
But this diligence is paying off. Theyll travel with the other six members of the Vancouver club (plus adult volunteers and coaches) to join 1,500 participants from across the province for four days of competition, awards, shared living quarters and meals, and a big dance to top it off. Not only is the BC Winter Games a stepping-stone to higher competition, but its a great place for young athletes to make friends.
Were really excited to meet people from all over, says Anita. Im just going to try to have a good time and maybe next time focus more on competing.
The toughest part about your first games is the nerves, Ericsson says. But hes been mentally preparing himself by trying not to focus on one race, or on a setback its about the whole experience.
Weve got a lot of good skaters, for such a small group, says eight-year Vancouver club coach Bill Wildstar. His son, Max, a veteran member, started speed skating when he was six. This will be the familys second BC Winter Games.
While Wildstar is quick to praise the team and point out his sons potential (hes only five seconds off of Olympic qualifying time), hes also realistic about what happens when you get 1,500 kids in one spot. Really, its all about the dance at the end, he jokes.
