Note: Speed Skating will not be offered in 2006.

Speed Skating is Fall sport (September - December) for Special Olympics Hawaii. Oahu athletes train and compete over a 3 month period at the Ice Palace (The only skating rink in Hawaii). Athletes compete in a "Regional" qualifying competition in order to compete at the Holiday Classic in December

Despite Hawaii's warm climate speed skating is a popular sport among Special Olympics Hawaii's' school age athletes. Many athletes transfer already learned skills from roller blading directly to speed skating skills on the ice. 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.

Events include 50, 100, and 300 (3 laps) races. Lower ability and new skaters have the option of using a skate aid in the 50 and 100 meter races.