It is with a sad heart that I, Denis Desjardin share the information of Art Jennings' passing this past Wednesday.  He was a speedskating pioneer for Sault Ste. Marie and the founding member of the SSMSC. Many of us have come to know Art over the years and understand his passion and dedication to Speedskating.  He held a special place in his heart for all the kids and a desire to see all of our kids succeed both on and off the ice.  

I will definitely miss his insightful stories about the history of speedskating and how wonderful this sport really is. 

Here is a summary of his accomplishments and involvement with the sport we have all come to love.   

Art got involved in Speed Skating as a volunteer with the 1976 Ontario Winter Games hosted in Sault Ste. Marie.  As Long Track Speed Skating was one of the sports in the games, the Ontario Government built the oval at the Queen Elizabeth Park and which is now named The Art Jennings Oval. 

Art kept the club going and I joined him in 1977 and ever since we have had a Speed Skating Club which has seen many successes over the years. 

As a Club, we have hosted many Ontario Championships, two North American Championships 1999 and 2003 and one Canadian Championship 2004. 

Many of our skaters have been Canadian and North American Champions. 

Steve Mancuso, Catherine McLean, Perry Giangualano, Kevin Scott, Jessica Rickaby, Gasper Aceti, Lyndsay  Parissanti to name a few. 

Kevin Scott represented Canada at the 1992 and 1994 Olympics and held the 1000 m World Record in 1993. 

Most recently, Richard MacLennan has attended two World Junior Championships, many World Cups and is on the National Development Team. 

Art has been the recipient of many awards for his dedication to Speed Skating. 

Art and I have travelled thousands of miles together to meets and coaching clinics, etc. and I will remember him as a friend and companion for these many years.