The Pettit National Ice Center, a U.S. Olympic Training Facility, is busy with activity this week thanks to two different speed skating camps that have virtually taken over the Pettit.
The first camp comes from Quebec, Canada. About 30 Canadian skaters are working exclusively on the Pettit’s ice until August 4th. This large group includes members of the Canadian National Team, the Canadian Junior National Team and the Quebec Provincial Team. These elite level skaters are working on technical and volume training and the session at the Pettit marks the first time they’ve been on the ice since their season ended on March 15, 2004
“We brought our camp to the Pettit for a change of pace and the opportunity to bring a large group of skaters to the same venue and have them all train together,” said Douglas Duncan, the Canadian Junior National Team coach. “By being at the Pettit we break up the long summer training. This camp was something the skaters were really looking forward too!”
The Pettit is also hosting the US Speedskating SUPERCAMP. The camp is designed to build on fundamentals and a give a preseason-training base with the goal of helping the advanced skater focus on progressive techniques both on and off the ice. The camp is led by U.S. Speedskating Junior National Team Coach Mike Witty and two-time bronze Olympic medallist and Northern Regional Coach Amy Peterson. Witty’s Junior National Team is also at the July SUPERCAMP working hard and getting ready for the upcoming racing season
Witty said, “Our skaters are getting a kick out of skating with the Canadians here at the Pettit, which is home ice for a lot of these skaters. This camp will make an impact for a lot of the American skaters.”
The two camps work together during various on-ice sessions throughout the week and on Sunday, August 1st the countries will converge for some racing and good-hearted competition. Both camps are taking advantage of the “Pettit Campus” which incorporates the Tommy Thompson Youth Center on the Wisconsin State Fair grounds.
For more information on the Pettit Center’s busy week of speed skating in July, please contact Rob Multerer by phone at 414.266.0100, ext. 132 or email at rmulterer@thepettit.com.
Contact: Rob Multerer
Director of Marketing
Pettit National Ice Center
414.266.0100, ext. 132
rmulterer@thepettit.com
