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February 14, 2003
Speed skaters get send
off
Kyle
St. Laurent is lacing up to go to the Canada Winter Games next week. The Nunavut
athletes got a warm send-off from Iqaluit Mayor John Matthews this week.
(FILE PHOTO)
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About 15 members of the
territorys speed skating association were at city council this week as
eight members were recognized by the mayor and council for their achievements.
Eight of the associations
members are off to compete in the Canada Winter Games in Bathurst, New Brunswick,
next week. It is the first time Nunavut has competed at the games. Initially
the speed skaters were the only team invited, but a lone badminton player is
also competing.
Dressed in their red hooded
sweatshirts with "Catch Me if You Can" written on one sleeve, the
participants were invited up one at a time to receive a T-shirt, and a bag of
pins and Iqaluit paraphernalia from Mayor John Matthews to bring with them on
their trip.
Matthews said he had heard
the association was having trouble raising money and, while he couldnt
offer any dollars, the city would help in whatever way it could.
Coach John Maurice said
since the community was so generous last year, there havent been as many
donations this year, but recently the Iqaluit Amateur Hockey Association, the
Frobisher Inn and Hansons Construction came to bat with some money for
the kids.
Each year the association
spends between $7,000 and $8,000 in ice fees, and the special speed skates for
the kids cost hundreds of dollars as well.
"Were a small
club," Maurice said, "but were producing a high level of achievement.
We plan not to come in last place."
"We want first place,"
said a speed skater at the back of the room.
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