The Chicago Park District is hosting the annual Silver Skates local and free speed skating tournament at a number of venues.

The annual Silver Skates local and free speed skating competition is taking place in the Chicago Park District at several locations through Thursday, Jan. 19. There will be six dates, and both children and adults aged 6 to 17 are encouraged to attend.

"The Chicago Park District is excited to host the annual, local and free speed skating competition, Silver Skates," the Chicago Park District announced. "Children and adults, ages 6 to 17 years old, will have the opportunity to participate in six events that will take place at neighborhood ice rinks." 

The final event will take place at Wentworth Park on Jan. 19. Other events happened at Midway Plaisance Park, McKinley Park, and Mt. Greenwood Park, on Jan. 10, 11, and 12, respectively. Registration for each competition opens at 5:15 p.m., and the first gun goes off at 5:45 p.m. The events for the younger participants will begin first. Everyone taking part must supply their own gloves, long sleeves, and a bicycle or hockey helmet. There will be a rental shop for speed skates, hockey skates and figure skates, all of which are necessary at all times.

In a related event, McFetridge Sports Center will host a city-wide competition on Saturday, Jan. 21. Young skaters who perform well in local contests will be invited to compete in the city-wide tournament. The races begin at 10 a.m. The check-in desk opens at 9:15 a.m. Adult skaters are welcome to compete as well, but they are not required to have competed in any of the local tournaments.