Speed Skating Speed skating is a lifetime fitness sport for athletes of all ages; a popular form of competition that showcases strength and coordination. Speed skating competition during the 2005 Special Olympics World Winter Games. [Photo credit: Kishimoto] In faster heats, Special Olympics speed skaters may reach speeds of up to 32 kilometers per hour. Special Olympics also offers events for lower ability level athletes to train and compete in basic speed skating skills. The development of these key skills is necessary prior to advancing to longer competitive events. Special Olympics athletes can also participate in a Unified Sports® Speed Skating four-person, 20-lap relay event. Special Olympics Unified Sports is a program that combines Special Olympics athletes and athletes without intellectual disabilities (partners) on sports teams for training and competition. In Unified Sports speed skating, a relay team would consist of two Special Olympics athletes and two partners. Selection of Special Olympics athletes and Unified Sports partners of similar age and ability is required for training and competition in speed skating Speed Skating Facts Speed Skating was first contested on an international level at the 1977 Special Olympics World Winter Games. Nearly 200 athletes competed at the 2005 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Nagano, Japan. As of the 2005 Special Olympics Athlete Participation Report, 15,806 Special Olympics athletes compete in speed skating. Speed Skating Events For use on 100M Oval 100 Meter Race 200 Meter Race 300 Meter Race 500 Meter Race 800 Meter Race 1000 Meter Race 1500 Meter Race 20 lap relay — 4 person 20 lap Unified relay — 4 person For use on 111M Oval 111 Meter Race 222 Meter Race 333 Meter Race 500 Meter Race 777 Meter Race 1000 Meter Race 1500 Meter Race 20 lap relay — 4 person 20 lap Unified relay — 4 person The following events provide meaningful competition for athletes with lower ability levels: 100M Oval 5 Meter Straightaway 50 Meter Half Lap Race 111M Oval 25 Meter Straightaway 55 Meter Half Lap Race Related Links International Skating Union (ISU)