An Inline Speedskating Clinic organized by Hyper and InSSAS was in the happening today. Skaters from different teams and colors were gathered for the event at the Commonwealth running track.

The afternoon weather looked threatening one moment and then was bright and hot the next. There was hardly any wind, resulting in an extremely humid atmosphere.

We were just in time after rushing down from an earlier project. After the registration, we quickly found our seats amongst the other skaters. Jonathan Seutter started the clinic with a quick introduction to speedskating. He then introduced Kim Ames, Sandy Snakenberg and the team of Indonesian skaters who would be giving skate demonstrations.

It kicked off with a talk by Sandy Snakenberg on the different types of warm-up and stretching exercises. He also touched on topics about gym and cross training for added strength and stamina.

Skaters were then invited to skate round the track and they went round with enthusiasm. The clinic moved swiftly with the Indonesian skaters giving demonstrations on pack skating, off-skate static and plyometric exercises. One of the skaters has thighs as thick as my waist! Boy could he jump! There were displays by the sprinter who did impressive runs and fast-footed skating round the track. This was followed by pack skating by the rest of the Indonesian skaters.

Next, skaters in different skins and colors, gorgeous helmets and skates started to fill the track. One by one they went down to do their warm ups skate before an informal pack skating "race". The skaters formed about 6 to 7 teams, each with 4 to 7 skaters. The "race" consisted of 3 laps. Rules being that all skaters of each team must return as a peleton with the same number of skaters they started off with. This is an exercise adopted by many to train their team on team cadence, team spirit and teamwork.

After the flag off, the skaters started skating with all their might under the punishing sun. Each team saw skaters hung on to each other, with the more experienced skaters either in the front pulling or at the back pushing. Go Skaters Go!!!! Spectators were cheering them on as they went round the track skating at top speed. Soon, all the teams completed their rounds and were rushing to the huge tank of icy cold water!!

Sandy continued with a talk on nutrition that saw an active exchange of questions and answers. Our French friend Fabien had to be stopped literally by Kim Ames jumping onto his back, as he kept up with strings of questions (time overrun lah...). As an obviously health conscious athlete and one who is seen training almost daily; no wonder he is one of the fastest in town. Fabien was later invited to a challenge against Sandy... N0... you guessed wrong - not skating but "The Body Parts Challenge!" As both men bare their tops to flex their muscles, the crowd cheered at them!!

Next up, the Lucky Draw! Skaters were nudging each other on and many were seen with their fingers crossed!! Great prizes like wheels, frames and skates quickly went to the lucky winners. Many happy faces of course :)

It is comforting to see skaters gather together for an event like this. Kudos to the sponsors and organizers for putting in the time, effort and most of all the $$$.

Until next time... Skate on folks.