Vernon’s Connie Kapak spent part of Wednesday working Wendy’s Dreamlift Day.
The 14-year-old deserved the break from speed skating after winning her fourth provincial long track championship last weekend in Fort St. John.
Kapak ruled all six races over two days of 400-metre racing. The event was originally scheduled for Prince George but the new facility being built for the 2015 Canada Games was not ready for use.
Kapak will now represent B.C. at the Canadian Championships, Feb. 7-9, in Quebec City (her birthday is on the Sunday).
She competes in the B.C. Open Short Track competition in Kamloops this weekend. It will be a preview of the top racers who will face one another at the upcoming B.C. Winter Games, in Mission.
Kapak is enrolled in the VSS High Performance sports program. She trains at the Capital News Centre in Kelowna when home, making 10 trips to the Calgary Olympic Oval.
She carries sponsorship from businessman Akbal Mund and Aaron Damini of Damini Physiotherapy.
Meanwhile, the Vernon Vortex had four skaters in Fort St. John with Peter Blokker claiming gold in his Masters age group and youngsters Nate Benn and Daniel Hall striking gold and silver, respectively. Laura Hall earned a silver.
Former Olympian-turned-coach Mike Hall led the Vortex on a 12-hour bus trip with the goal of attaining personal best times and gaining long track experience while having some fun.
“For a team that rarely has the opportunity to experience the 400-m track, their accomplishments were well beyond reasonable expectations,” said coach Hall. “I was proud how they represented their club and community and their sportsmanship and grace in winning demonstrated the best that amateur sport has to offer.”
Next up for the Vortex Club is the Coyote Cup Saturday in Kamloops. New members are welcome. Visit www.vernonspeedskatingclub.com.
