The Victorian Ice Racing Association (VIRA) is the official governing body for ice racing in Victoria, Australia. Established in 1949, VIRA was formerly known as the Victorian Speed Skating Union and was a part of the Victorian Ice Hockey Association. Today, VIRA encompasses three main disciplines: ice racing, speed skating, and short track.
VIRA offers a quality learning and development path for individuals of all ages and skill levels. With a national badge programme and accredited coaches, beginners and veterans alike can improve their skills and knowledge in a safe and supportive environment. While the preferred age for participation is over 4 years for safety reasons, everyone is welcome to join VIRA and experience the thrill of ice racing.
For those interested in trying speed skating, VIRA provides the opportunity to learn the basics of skating and speed skating with experienced coaches. The sessions are conducted in a fun and engaging atmosphere, allowing participants to develop their skills while enjoying the sport.
VIRA offers various training opportunities and locations for its members. The Learn to Speed Skate School takes place at the O'Brien Icehouse in Melbourne. These sessions run during school terms and provide a structured learning environment for beginners. Additionally, VIRA has club training times at different locations, including the Olympic Southern Flyers Ice Racing Club at O'Brien Icehouse, the Docklands Demons Ice Racing Club, and IceHQ.
These training sessions provide club members with regular practise and the chance to improve their ice racing skills.
To learn more about the different speed skating disciplines, VIRA offers valuable information on its website. Short track speed skating, for instance, is a competitive ice speed skating sport where multiple skaters participate in races on an oval ice track. Originally practised mainly in the United States and Canada, short track speed skating became an official Olympic sport in 1992 and has since grown in popularity worldwide. VIRA provides a brief history and overview of the sport, highlighting its inclusion in the Winter Olympics and the various events that take place in short track speed skating competitions.
VIRA encourages individuals interested in ice racing to get in touch with the association. The contact details for VIRA's president, Bill Younger, as well as the secretary and treasurer, Jason Spiker and Linda Brodersen, respectively, are provided on the website. Additionally, VIRA has a postal address in Ormond, Victoria, for any correspondence.
Overall, the Victorian Ice Racing Association is a prominent sports club in Melbourne, offering a comprehensive programme for ice racing, speed skating, and short track. With a focus on learning, development, and a fun environment, VIRA welcomes individuals of all ages to join and experience the excitement of ice racing in Victoria.