The 2013-14 speed skating season picks up where it left off in the spring — at the Mission Leisure Centre.
The local arena was the site of last season's B.C. short track championships, and it plays host to the first competitive meet of the new season this Saturday.
More than 100 skaters of all ages and abilities will converge on the North Arena for a full day of racing with events kicking off at 8 a.m. and concluding at 4 p.m.
“We expect many very fast times as Mission is regarded as having the best ice conditions around,” said Mission Racers club president and meet co-ordinator Bruce Wenting.
The Mission Leisure Centre has undergone technical improvements over the summer with improved lighting and insulation which will only enhance the staff’s ability to control ice conditions.
The Mission Racers will have 15 skaters entered in the meet ranging from five to 17 years old. The event will also serve as a volunteer recruitment and training opportunity for the 2014 BC Winter Games to be held in February.