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INUVIK - Olympic Oval speed-skating coach Debby Fisher was in town this past weekend for the sixth year in a row to help local skaters and coaches build their skills.

Inuvik speedskating head coach Doug McLeod said the clinics help him, Theresa Ross and Debbie Karl guide the team throughout the year.

Debby Fisher of the Olympic Oval in Calgary was in town this past weekend for her annual workshop with the Inuvik Speed Skating Club. This was her sixth year holding a clinic for the skaters and coaches. - Dez Loreen/NNSL photos

"It helps us because we don't have a background in speed skating, so she helps us with that," he said.

"We're grateful she's here to help."

He said the clinic is also good for the skaters on the ice, because Fisher keeps a keen eye on their development.

Fisher is the developmental trainer at the Olympic Oval in the University of Calgary.

She said her work has her travelling all across the country, spreading the knowledge of the sport.

While she helps young skaters aged seven to 17, Fisher said her clinics are also aimed at helping coaches with their plans and drills.

"I'm basically a coach's coach," she said. "I'm here to give them some new ideas."

Fisher said she spent time showing the three coaches new techniques when working with their students and helped them learn more of the sport.

"We want their skaters to be better so we can make their technique stronger," said Fisher.

"We want them to be at top competing shape when out of town for events."

Fisher said she has seen skaters progress over the six years she's been coming to Inuvik.

"I was invited to come up by the founder of the speed skating club here in Inuvik," she said.

"They were looking for someone to give new life to the program. 2002 was my first year here and it's been a great relationship ever since."