Speed skating is a lifetime fitness sport for athletes of all ages, and a popular form of competition that showcases the athlete's strength and coordination. One of five official Special Olympics Winter Sports, speed skating was first offered on an international level at the 1977 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, USA. Today, approximately 3,103 athletes compete in Special Olympics speed skating worldwide. In faster heats, Special Olympics speed skaters may reach speeds of up to 32 kilometers per hour.

Speed skating was one of the five official sports to be offered at the 1997 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Ontario, Canada. Approximately 180 athletes from 28 countries competed in the 12 official speed skating events at these Games. At the 2001 Special Olympics Winter World Games in Alaska, USA, the speed skating competition demonstrated the skills of 180 male and female athletes from 21 countries. Celebrities

HIGHLIGHTS
Special Olympics speed skating has been the recipients of outstanding support from the world's premiere speed skaters. Olympic gold medalists, Dan Jansen, Bonnie Blair and Johan Olav Koss have performed clinics in speed skating.

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Coaches Resources

National Governing Body:   http://www.isu.org

US Governinig Body:          http://www.usspeedskating.org

Coaches Speedskating Guide