Kamloops Long Blades Speed Skating Club

Our club was founded in 1992 by our current Coach Coordinator, Sandi Vyse, her mother, Phyllis Vyse, and skater’s parents Bill Zirnhelt and Sharon Wall. Sandi skated competitively at the National level at an early age, coached by her mother. Coaching was a natural fit for Sandi and they began our club with donated 20 year old leather skates and borrowed safety mats. With the co-operation of the City of Kamloops ice time was secured in the Memorial Arena. The old ice surface was narrow and safety mats were thin and tattered, but at that point our skaters (old skates) weren’t very fast. All were just happy to be speed skating! Over the years we have assembled a strong team of experienced and qualified coaches. Our coaches are certified through the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP). Sandi Vyse is our Coach Coordinator and maintains full certification at Level 3; Karen MacLaren holds Level 2 Coaching, Level 3 Meet Coordinator and Level 3 Technical accreditation; David Reith is working on his level 3 and KLB has additional coaches with Level 1, assisted also by our Junior and Senior level skaters who are mentored to pursue coaching and leadership roles within the club. Canadian Coaching Association has been a great sponsor in support of training opportunities for our coaches. We have a strong membership that volunteer and hold certification in various officiating positions. Trish Archibald is a level 3 meet recorder. Shelley Hewitt is a level 3 place judge, and Carol Dougan is working on her level 3 meet coordinator. Numerous parents and volunteers hold level 1 and 2 certification and work hard each year to gain experience in a variety of official positions that help our club host successful competitions and events. Our club is grateful to have many individuals who have obtained and continue to increase their level, experience and qualifications by volunteering numerous hours at competitions at their own expense. Our club’s existence is dependent upon commitment to fundraising, grants and community support. We also depend on and work to maintain experienced and qualified volunteers and officials who are essential to running various competitions. Workshops and volunteer opportunities are continually sought out and offered to our membership. Individuals in our club provide over 5000 volunteer hours and personal expenses to officiate at various competitions held throughout the province. You likely saw our members working at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics.