The local speedskating club will start the 2014/15 season with two bangs this weekend – its fall camp and special pricing to entice newcomers to try the sport.

International coach Debby Fisher, a former speedskating development coordinator at the Olympic Oval in Calgary, will be leading the camp from Friday to Sunday on the ATCO ice at the Canada Games Centre.

If newcomers enjoy the camp and want to continue with skating, registration fees for the season will be reduced for the first 10 new youth to sign up, the Whitehorse Rapids Speed Skating Club announced.

“Debby is the perfect Outside coach to start our season off,” said coach Phil Hoffman. “She is excellent at working with skaters of all ages and abilities, and she will set the stage for all athletes to improve over the course of the winter.”

This three-day camp offers five on-ice sessions for skaters of all abilities. Both new and novice skaters, and more advanced, competitive skaters will learn and develop individual skating techniques in a fun atmosphere.

“We also want to develop a pool of skaters for future Arctic and Canada Winter Games, so we’re trying to entice new youth skaters with reduced registration fees,” said club president Cord Hamilton.

The club is aiming to send a team to the Canada Winter Games in Prince George in February.

“The $25 discount is for new skaters who come once a week, and if they come twice a week, the discount expands to $50,” said Hamilton.

The club also offers an affordable skate rental program to help keep growing skaters properly equipped.

More information and registration forms for the camp are available at www.shorttrack06.com or by calling Susanne Wirth at 667-4348.