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2009 News and Information

Act Fast to See World’s Best at Oval – Only Few Tickets Left

20 February 2009 

It’s not too late to get tickets to the World Single Distance Speedskating Championships, March 12 to 15 at the Richmond Olympic Oval, if you act fast.

A few tickets remain on sale for most race events. Sunday’s 500 m and team pursuit events, however, are sold out. Single day tickets are available pre-event for $32.25 plus taxes, online at tickets.com. Starting on day one of the event, March 12, any remaining tickets will be sold at the Oval. Those who purchased tickets online may pick them up at the Oval ticket kiosk starting March 12 as well.

The world championships are a test event leading to the 2010 Winter Games and a precursor of the excitement to come in less than a year. The world championships provide spectators with the only opportunity to see the world’s fastest and best skaters in competition in Richmond prior to the Games. The championships feature men’s and ladies’ 500 m, 1,000 m, 1,500 m 5,000 m and Team Pursuit, plus men’s 10,000 m events.

Canada took home nine medals in the 2008 championships held in Nagano, Japan, four of them gold, placing the home team second in the world only to Holland. For more information on the 2009 World Single Distance Speed Skating Championships, check www.speedskatingrichmond2009.com. 

About the Richmond Olympic Oval
Officially opened December 12, 2008, the spectacular Richmond Olympic Oval is the landmark venue of the 2010 Winter Games, and British Columbia’s newest architectural icon. From the sweeping six-acre roof incorporating pine beetle-kill wood to the recycled waste heat from the ice plant, the facility is also one of the most sustainable of its kind in the world. Post-Games, the Oval becomes the City of Richmond’s newest multi-use facility that will serve both community sport and wellness and national training needs. Memberships are now available. Check www.richmondoval.com for details. 

About Speed Skating
Speed skating is the fastest human-powered, non-mechanically aided sport in the world; skaters can reach speeds in excess of 60 kilometres per hour. Competitive racing is believed to have begun in Holland as early as 1676. The first official World Championship was held in 1893 and the sport was included in the first ever Winter Olympic Games held in 1924 at Chamonix, France.

2009 World Single Distance Championships Schedule of Events

  • Thursday March 12, 2009 @ 12:30 pm
    • Men’s 1,500 m
    • Ladies’ 3,000 m
  • Friday March 13, 2009 @ 12:30 pm
    • Men’s 1,000 m
    • Ladies’ 1,500 m
    • Men’s 5,000 m
  • Saturday March 14, 2009 @ 12:30 pm
    • Ladies’ 1,000 m
    • Men’s 10,000 m
    • Ladies’ 5,000 m
  • Sunday March 15, 2009 @ 12:30 pm
    • Ladies’ 500 m (Race 1)
    • Men’s 500 m (Race 1)
    • Ladies’ 500 m (Race 2)
    • Men’s 500 m (Race 2)
    • Ladies’ Team Pursuit
    • Men’s Team Pursuit