Not to worry, you can go check out some of the Olympians at work while they train at the Abbotsford Recreation Centre located in the city of Abbotsford, Canada.

The Japanese Speed Skating training camp for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games will be taking place from January 26 – February 3, 2010 on the international-size ice rink at the Abbotsford Recreation Centre.

Etsuko Suzuki, an Abbotsford resident who speaks Japanese, has been selected as the Community Host for the team and will be assisting them with everything from choosing a restaurant to finding local souvenirs. “I am honoured to be a part of this once in a lifetime experience and can’t believe its all taking place in my own backyard!” says Etsuko Suzuki.

“Having Olympians training here in Abbotsford will truly inspire our local athletes to continue to dream big,” say Mayor George W. Peary. “It will also give those community members who don’t have tickets to the Games a chance to see some Olympians in person.”

The public is welcome to watch the Japanese Speed Skating team train during any of the dates and times below.

Tuesday, January 26*
8 am – 10 am
4-6 pm

Wednesday, January 27
9:15-11:15 am
4-6 pm

Thursday, January 28
9:15-11:15 am
5-7 pm

Friday, January 29
9:45-11:45 am
4-6 pm

Saturday, January 30
10 am -12 pm
4:45-6:45 pm

Sunday, January 31
10 am-12 pm
5:45-7:45 pm
Monday, February 1
8am-10am
2:45-4:15 pm
Tuesday, February 2
8am-10am
2:45-4:15 pm
Wednesday, February 3
8am-10am
2:45-4:15 pm

* Jan 26 & 27 morning practices may be canceled if athletes are suffering from jet lag. It should also be noted that a practice session could be canceled without notice if a speed skater becomes ill or injured.

On January 31st from 1:30 – 2:30pm a public Meet n Greet Event will be held at The Reach Gallery Museum Abbotsford, located at 32388 Veterans Way. The team will be available to meet the public in the Great Hall. Families can also partake in the free Sunday Family Arts session from 1 – 3 pm and make paper cut out cards to wish the Japanese team well.

The Russians are coming:

The Russian Figure Skating team will also be training in February at the Abbotsford Recreation Centre. More information on the Russian Figure Skating training camp will be released soon.

For information on the training camps, the Torch Relay Celebration event, Abbotsford Live Site, other Olympic-related events and volunteer opportunities, visit www.abbylivesite.ca.