Speed Skate World- By Peter Doucet- Online Since 1999

Thursday, June 14, 2007

Spain's Troubles, Andrew Hegarty's Weinfelden T-Track Vids, Pattinaggio Bellusco Pictures- Italian Champs, Timmerman Powerslide News, Star Grip Review

Spain's Troubles: Oh how we all love the connection between athletics and politics, don't we? It looks like the latest country to fall into the political hot-seat is Spain; you can read up on what's being said in Bont's forum. You can also read up here and here (news article) for more on the situation(s). The discussion is not one sided- if you read the last (4th) post, there is a voice that sheds more/ different light on what's been said.

I think in many political situations that arise in skating, we need to be outspoken and critical, but sensitive and constructive, and more so when this is done publicly rather than in private. I think it is ok to take a step back, take our time, think about positive goals, and be ready to come to a consensus in a lot of the political situations that face skating and roller sports.

The Canadian scene is not immune to internal conflict, and in some situations, we didn't take a step back to honestly and properly evaluate certain situations. I can admit that have been guilty of not doing this, and I can also say that I am learning from situations that I have faced.

I've created friendships and allegiances with some people who disagree with each other. Sometimes I find that I walk the sharp edge of a knife in terms of how I can promote certain causes, encourage positive and constructive dialogue, and maintain important and fruitful positive and meaningful relationships with those people whose causes I champion/ support.

I tend to keep SSW neutral our completely out of some situations. I also keep many of my thoughts to myself, or I discuss my ideas in private only with those who need to hear them. However, when someone posts something critical of someone or something else, I take serious consideration in how, when, and if I will link/ post the items and ideas as well as what kind of impact the ideas/ items will have. The internet has a mysterious way of carrying what's been written and turning it into a tidal wave of misunderstanding and confusion. On the flip side, the internet is a great resource that generates accountability, transparency, and growth.

I am glad that there are many of you out there who have a lot of integrity, honesty, and a positive set of ethics and values.

Andrew Hegarty's Weinfelden T-Track Vids: This is one of the things I've been waiting for since last Friday; Andrew Hegarty's videos from the Weinfelden T-Track. Lots of good racing action for you to check out and to keep you busy this morning/ lunch time/ break time/ afternoon/ evening/ night.

Pattinaggio Bellusco Pictures- Italian Champs: Pattinaggio Bellusco has posted photos from the Campionati Italiani RA Strada a Spinea (gallery A, gallery B, gallery C, and gallery D).

Italy Champs- photo from Pattinaggio Bellusco

Italy Champs- photo from Pattinaggio Bellusco
Timmerman Powerslide News: Lots of stuff on the Timmerman Powerslide site; use the following links- Dijon report and photos, WOW Groningen report and photos, Weinfelden WIC report and photos, and Weinfelden T-Track report and photos.