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LIIDLII KUE/FORT SIMPSON - Speed skaters in Fort Simpson are skating a bit faster thanks to a visit from a professional coach.

Debby Fisher, the development co-ordinator for speed skating at the University of Calgary's Olympic Oval, spent a week in the village from Jan. 12 to 16 running a speed skating camp.

Tyler Pilling, left, skates hard to pass Alex Roche, Madison Pilling and Kevin Roche during a drill that was part of the speed skating camp held in Fort Simpson. - Roxanna Thompson/NNSL photo

"This is my full time occupation," said Fisher.

"I coach skating."

Fisher worked with members of the Fort Simpson Speed Skating Club on different aspects of their skating, including stronger starts, straight-aways and skating with other people. The goal of the drills and exercises was to build the skaters up to a point where they can pass during races, said Fisher.

During the camp the skaters improved their balance, co-ordination and agility and as a result their speeds increase, she said.

Despite all of the drills, the camp was about more than just hard work. It's important for the skaters to have fun at the same time, said Fisher.

"I help the coaches and teach the kids and make speed skating an option that kids will want to do," she said.

Aleyx Smith, one of the participants, said the camp made her a better speed skater.

"I liked it," said Smith.

Smith said Fisher taught her to do quicker crossovers, faster starts and better strides.

Val Gendron, the club's coach, said she also picked up some tips from Fisher including a lot of new drills.

Gendron said she could already see the difference in the skaters' performances.

"There was a big improvement in all the kids' skating as far as technique and speed," she said.

Fisher does a great job with the skaters, Gendron said.

"She keeps it fun and she keeps the kids motivated."

This was Fisher's second visit to Fort Simpson. She also conducted a camp in the village last year.

"It's fun to come and fun to be around kids that like to do what I do," she said.

Fisher said she's also seen an improvement in the skaters.

"They're getting better and better every practice," she said.

During the week, Fisher also worked with all of the students from Bompas elementary school on their basic skating skills. She encouraged many of them to continue on to speed skating.

Fisher uses speed skater Jeff Scholten as an example of how far the students could go.

Scholten, from New Brunswick, started skating at the age of four and Fisher began coaching him a year later and continued until he was 18. Scholten went on to hold the world record in 500-metre speed skating for four years and also won medals at world cups.

"You never know what's going to happen with some of these kids," Fisher said.