Release:
(February 16, 2011)  HRM is pleased to welcome the public back to the
Canada Games Oval this coming Sunday.  With the speed skating events of
the 2011 Canada Games now concluded, the Oval will resume operations for
public skating on the morning of Sunday, February 20 – weather
dependent.  Times will be posted on skatehrm.ca.

The Oval has received rave reviews from athletes, coaches, officials
and visitors since the Games began. It is the largest artificial ice
surface east of Quebec City and has been featured as HRM’s marquee
outdoor venue for the Halifax 2011 Canada Games currently taking place.

HRM Mayor Peter Kelly, on behalf of Council, congratulated all the
speed skating athletes – those who captured a medal during the events on
the Oval as well as to all those talented enough to have qualified to
compete for the Halifax 2011 Canada Games.

“The Oval provided an opportunity for HRM to host Canada’s best
young speed skating athletes and has also allowed all HRM citizens and
visitors alike to enjoy this world-class venue,” the Mayor said.

Between now and Sunday the Oval will become a training surface for
athletes preparing for world competition. Operations staff will also
work to decommission the site and prepare it for public use.

Visit skatehrm.ca to confirm public skate times and for condition
updates, or call the Oval Information Line at 490-2347 for schedule
changes due to weather or other conditions.