Speedskating coach is looking forward to Timaru hosting the Oceania Championships in September. (File photo)
The return of top level speedskating to Timaru has the sport’s South Canterbury guru Bill Begg “very happy”.
Begg has confirmed that Timaru will host the 2022 Oceania Championships at its banked track at Caroline Bay and at Levels Raceway on September 8-12.
“It was supposed to be in Timaru in 2020 and then 2021, but both were cancelled (because of Covid and travel problems), but now it has been approved for here in September.
“It was last here in 2018 and this will be the fourth time in past decade to be in Timaru.”
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While Begg is “very happy” at the event’s return, he laments that a number of South Canterbury skaters picked in the original New Zealand team for the championships will not be present as they have “either moved on to university or work out of town”.
Begg, a life member of both South Canterbury and New Zealand roller sports, said the original NZ team of 31 had 14 South Canterbury club members.
“Due to changing circumstances, nominations for consideration will be opened for a brief period.
“Some local selections are likely to drop out, but there is the possibility of one or two more inclusions.”
Begg said two years of no Oceania champs and overseas competition had an effect on the South Canterbury club for older competitors.
“The top ones had been working a decade for worlds and lost motivation, but the club is stronger than ever with young ones and some good masters.”
Begg said the four grades would be cadet (under-15), junior (under-18), senior and masters.
Tough competition is expected from Australia which has just held its national championships and named a team of about 30.
Begg has been appointed coach of the NZ team for the Oceania and World championships (in Argentina in October) with Roxanne Green, of Blenheim, the manager.
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