Re: "Keeping it in the family," Jan. 27.

I applaud the Herald for recognizing the importance of allowing families of Canada's Olympic athletes to have the opportunity to be in Vancouver and Whistler to watch the competitions. Your choice of the Wotherspoon family as an example is a good one. Sharon and Bill Wotherspoon have been mainstays of speed skating in Alberta for many years. Bill volunteered countless hours to assist with the development of young speed skaters. Sharon and Bill continue to work casinos to support speed skating for young athletes and their families. Their daughter, Megan, works part-time with the local Calgary Speed Skating Club. This is one family (among many others) that has given much to this sport locally and nationally. That sponsors like Petro-Canada and the national sport organization (Speed Skating Canada, through its Inukshuk Initiative) can arrange for tickets and accommodation at the 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver is to be commended. On behalf of Alberta speed skaters, I say thank you.

Blair Carbert,

President of the Alberta Amateur Speed Skating Association.