INUVIK - The Inuvik Speed Skating club has been busy training in preparation for a meet next month.

Mark Ellsworth, 12, is one of five skaters hoping to make an impact in the regional trials for the 2008 Arctic Winter Games.

Back row, from left: Alison McDonald, Mark Ellsworth, Alison Baetz, Preston Dosedel, Cullen McLeod, coach Doug McLeod, Roald Langford, Front, from left: Shannon Baetz and Alexander Robertson are all training for a speed skating meet next month. The group meets three times a week to train. - Dez Loreen/NNSL photo

According to Ellsworth, keeping a fast pace is the key to being a successful speed skater.

"The challenge is trying to be faster every time," he said.

The skater has been on the squad for the last three years.

"I started with a friend who was interested," said Ellsworth.

He said training three times a week can be physically demanding.

"Our sessions are an hour long and we do our relays and races," he said.

Ellsworth has not been on a sports trip yet and said he is looking forward to the experience.

The AWG trials take place on Jan 31 and Feb 1.

All 16 members of the team will be in Yellowknife for the NWT championships on Feb 16.

Coach Doug McLeod said the young skaters are well on their way to improving their skills.

"I started out as assisting coach Karen Pollard, but she moved last year," said McLeod, who has been involved with the team for six years as a coach.

McLeod said the group has been focusing on their technique and doing drill training.

"We've been doing a lot of sprints, starts and a lot of laps," he said.

With 19 speed skaters calling Inuvik home, McLeod is confident his team has what it takes to be the best in the NWT.

McLeod said getting youth active is important in society.

"It's a lot of fun and a good way to get the kids out and get some exercise," he said.