First Speed Skating Event to Take Place in SM Skating Rink

For the first time in the Philippines, the country will host an international speed skating tournament from October 21-23, 2014 – a recreational competition to hone skaters for events such as the Winter Olympics.

More than 72 delegates from neighboring countries such as Malaysia, Hong Kong, China, Singapore, Chinese Taipei, and Indonesia will be competing for the gold medal. Usually held in South Korea, China, or Japan, this is the first time that the Philippine Skating Union and International Skating Union will hold the event in the Philippines.

Representing the country is Fil-Am speed skater, Kathryn Victory Magno, who has been coached by ice skating big wigs such as David Glenn and Justin Dillon. Having been trained in the United States, she has won second overall in her division during her first speed skating race, and is currently being trained for the NorCal Speed Skating Association’s State Championships and Age Group Nationals. Kathryn hopes to continue to represent the Philippines for speed skating in succeeding competitions, and in the Winter Olympics 2018.

Short track speed skating is a competitive Olympic sport that requires four to six players to swiftly race against each other on an oval ice format. To introduce a prestigious ice sport and develop the range of sports for the Filipino, the SM Skating Rink along with the Philippine Skating Union introduces speed skating through a 3-day international competition sanctioned by the International Skating Union and its regional organization for all Asian countries, the Asian Skating Union.

The Open Short Track Speed Skating Trophy 2014 takes place in SM Megamall’s Mega Fashion Hall on October 21-23, 2014 from 12:40 PM to 6 PM. Admission for guests in the audience is free. 

For more information on the Open Short Track Speed Skating Trophy 2014, visit www.facebook.com/smiceskating or dial 556-0471.