Amateur speed skaters in New Brunswick say the province needs better facilities and training opportunities if its athletes are to compete at a higher level.

The Charles Gorman Memorial Speed Skating Championships on Sunday is one of a handful of events across the Maritimes allowing athletes to compete.

The event gives skaters like Chandler Scott an opportunity to qualify for races in Quebec, where the premiere speed skating events are held.

"To go to Quebec, it's a different racing style than it is here. Like this weekend I've been the top of the meet pretty much the whole weekend, but there I'll be bottom of the pack probably. Just getting new experience racing," Scott said.

Saint John head coach Anouk English has experience. She won two medals at the 2006 Olympics in Torino, Italy.

The Quebec native said Maritime athletes are often held back without the same opportunities for training.

"We have barely any support as far as sending kids to nationals. They have to pay for it. So for some people that's definitely going to be a problem. Then if you compare it to Quebec where if you make the team, you're 75 per cent covered," she said.

English also said the lack of Olympic-sized tracks in the province limits athletes.

Training on the province's hockey rinks carries a risk of injury if players slam into the boards, ultimately slowing down a skater's speed.