Everyone is invited to take in the action as the Rocky Mountain House Speed Skating Club hosts its annual speed skating meet on Saturday, Jan. 31.

The club says more than 100 skaters from across Alberta are registered to attend — a record turnout for RMHSSC.

The competition is the final meet scheduled in central Alberta ahead of the Alberta Winter Games, which take place in February in Cold Lake and Bonnyville.

“The event itself is very fast and exciting to watch,” said club secretary Hollen Sheldrake, adding the public is welcome to attend free of charge.

Skaters will compete in short-track events, which Sheldrake describes as sprint races held on a hockey rink, as opposed to long-track endurance racing on an oval.

Speed skaters train as part of a team, explained club member Travis Stuber, but compete individually based on ability rather than age. “You’re out there competing against other skaters, but mostly yourself,” he said.

Looking ahead to the Alberta Winter Games, Stuber said eight local skaters are set to compete, including veterans Logan Sheldrake and Sylvia Button-Stuber, who will both appear in their second Alberta Winter Games in short-track events.

Both Logan and Sylvia have been competing since 2015 and now also serve as junior coaches.

(The Rocky Mountain House Speed Skating Club)

The meet runs from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Bunch Arena in Rocky Mountain House.