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We all know that athletes are well known for ‘giving it their all’ on the Field of Play. What isn’t as well-known are the stories of athletes who are as committed to giving off the Field of Play. The story of Ontario speed skater Vincent de Haître from the Gloucester Concords is one of those stories.


As Vincent continues his journey as an athlete and three-time Olympian, his focus is on 2  priorities: Milan 2026 and leaving the sport in a better place.


The ‘better place’ part is clear from a fundraising initiative he started last season, to help a young Ontario athlete by paying their Oval training location entry fee. He did this  by joining a fundraising ride from Calgary to Canmore, 296 km in 1 day, which raised $5,500; the full amount of which was used to pay the Oval fee for Rachel Mallard, who was the beneficiary of this generous act in October 2023.


Vincent’s goal this season was to do the same thing again and help fund the dreams of a younger athlete(s) by giving 50% of all donations from his website. At the time of writing in late July 2024, he had already collected 50% of one set of Oval fees and now in mid-September, Vincent is getting ready to name the recipient of his efforts.

Vincent made his selection with the help of input from coaches. The decision will be based on, results, mindset, and future potential. This year, Alex Wood from The Cambridge Speed Skating Club has been named as the recipient and Vincent hopes to make this an annual drive. “It means a lot to receive this support,” said Alex. “It is a huge financial relief and to have the support of a skater as experienced as Vincent, is something I never expected but I am so grateful for. I cannot thank Vince enough for his generosity.”


Why does he do it?


This is an athlete who knows what it’s like to compete at the highest levels in his sport. In his 1st year at the Oval, Vincent made the junior world team and eighteen months later, he was at the Olympic Games, where he has competed three times. He truly believes that with the support and ability to focus, others can be given this opportunity and replicate these same results.


If you don’t know Vincent, he is as remarkable competing as he is as someone to come to the aid of his fellow competitors. Vincent is only the 13th Canadian in the history of the Olympic Games to be a dual sport Olympian, in cycling and speed skating. He is also a Canadian record holder in the 1000m in both Speedskating and Track Cycling. By securing a spot to compete at the upcoming 2026 Olympic Games in  Milan, Vincent will have the distinction of joining Clara Hughes as the second athlete (first male) in returning to his original sport at the Olympic Games. For Clara, it was Cycling – Speedskating – Cycling, and for Vincent, it will be: Speedskating – Cycling – Speedskating.


Although Vincent’s contributions to sport are impressive, what he is giving back may in fact be an ongoing source of fulfilment and purpose once he retires (eventually) from competitive sports. For the moment though he is concentrating on some short-term goals. “I want to perform well at the upcoming Canadian championships in October and to qualify for some World Cups and get back into top 10 results.”


When asked, Vincent describes himself with the following three words: passionate, intense, and compassionate. We would add another couple: game changer.


You can follow Vincent on his website VincentDehaitre.com, Instagram @vince_dehaitre




Are you interested in supporting the next generation of speed skaters in Ontario? Become a FUNdamentals Leader or FUNdamentals Coach!



FUNdamentals Leader is an excellent course for:

- junior coaches who currently speed skate and want to help at club practices

- parents who want to help club skaters at practices


This course allows participants to work with skaters in the Active Start and

FUNdamentals stages of Long Term Development (ages 3-9 years old).


The course will be held at the Magna Centre on Saturday July 20, 2024 from 9am-6pm.

Participants will be on-ice on Saturday afternoon, so please bring your skating equipment. There will be a follow-up online session later in the summer, which will be discussed during the session in Newmarket.


The minimum age for this course is 14 years old as of July 20, 2024.


The cost of the course is $80 + HST ($90.40).


FUNdamentals Coach is an excellent course for individuals who are working with athletes participating in practices, club meets and the Ontario Regional and Provincial Circuits.

This course prepares coaches to assume the responsibilities of a head coach with skaters in the Active Start and FUNdamentals stages of development and those entering the Learn to Train stage (approximate ages 3-11 years old).


The course will be held at the Magna Centre in Newmarket on Saturday July 20 and Sunday July 21, 2024 from 9am-6pm. It is a 2 day course which will be delivered over the weekend with one follow-up module delivered virtually in May, which will be discussed during the session in Markham.


Participants will be on ice on Saturday and Sunday afternoon, so please bring your skating equipment.


The minimum age for this course is 16 years old as of July 20, 2024.


The cost of the course is $300 + HST ($339.00 total).


More information about the Coach Development pathways can be found




We are seeking out developing Coaches who want to join the dynamic environment at Summit Performance Camp and learn from the experienced Provincial and Oval Program Coaches who support the skaters at camp.


Up to 4 apprentice coaches from across Canada will be supported through this program and will receive an honourarium to offset their travel and accommodations expenses.


We are accepting applications to the apprentice coach program until June 14, 2024.


Think this might be a good fit for you? Tell us about yourself and your coaching experience to be considered for this opportunity.  APPLY HERE





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