Saskatoon speed skater to carry flag at 2023 Canada Winter Games

Saskatoon speed skater Luca Veeman will be leading Team Saskatchewan into the 2023 Canada Winter Games in Prince Edward Island this month.

Team Saskatchewan announced Wednesday that the 17-year-old has been selected as the province’s opening ceremony flag bearer, a title Veeman said he’s proud to have.

“It was pretty great news to hear,” Veeman said. “I’m excited to see what Saskatchewan can do at the games.”

Veeman, who has been competing since age six, trains with the Saskatoon Lions Speed Skating Club.

“With an outstanding work ethic, Veeman has received numerous club awards for most outstanding skater and most personal bests,” Team Saskatchewan said in a statement.

In October, the teen was accepted to the National Training Centre at the Olympic Oval in Calgary.

In 2022, Veeman qualified for the Canadian Junior National Team in long track speed skating, but because of pandemic restrictions he was unable to compete in Poland. He won bronze in the 1,500-metre event and silver in the 5,000 metres at the Canadian Junior Speed Skating Championships in January.

He’s currently in Inzell, Germany, competing with the Canadian Junior National Team.

“It will be good to have some experience racing on my legs before we get into the games,” Veeman said.

The speed skater also pursues a passion for cycling, and competed in the 2022 Canada Summer Games. Both the sports work together when it comes to training, Veeman said.

“On the mental side, it’s really good to switch up between the sports,” he said.

Veeman, who is currently ranked in the top three in Canada for junior speed skaters, will be leading the pack at the Eastlink Centre in Charlottetown on Feb. 18. After carrying the flag, he’ll be representing the province in the 500-metre, 1,000-metre, 1,500-metre, 5,000-metre, mass start and team pursuit events.

Mark Bracken, Team Saskatchewan’s chef de mission, said the province will be sending 217 athletes to the games to compete in all 20 sports.

Bracken said Team Saskatchewan includes athletes from over 60 different communities.

“(We) are truly a provincial team coming from all corners of the province,” Bracken said.

We are proud to name Luca Veeman @2023CanadaGames opening ceremonies flag bearer! pic.twitter.com/xNEpipGQhT

— Team Sask (@goteamsask) February 9, 2023