The Whitehorse Rapids Speedskating Club hosted coach Shawn Homan from Calgary this weekend for a training camp involving the club's Arctic Winter Games team.

Thirty speed skaters participated in the camp, including 10 who traveled from Anchorage to take part.

"It's just one thing we do every year,” said Phil Hoffman, coach for the club.

The participants worked on technique and strategy in speed skating, with an emphasis on passing.

The skaters worked on setting up passes in competition, but also discussed rules that govern finishes, due to new competition rules.

"They're starting to get picky about having two skates on the ice when you cross the finish line,” Hoffman said of competition judges.

The new rules are to encourage safety on race courses.

The speed skating club is preparing its nine member team for the Arctic Winter Games in Grande Prairie in March.

Although no details have been confirmed, Hoffman said they are also trying to organize an event to help encourage more interest in speed skating in Whitehorse in the near future.

In January, the club hosted a Learn to Skate program for new potential speed skaters