Whitchurch-Stouffville
children and teens who don’t know how to skate can learn free of charge this
fall, thanks to a popular local program.
Learn to Skate
is aimed at girls and boys aged 8 to 14 years old who want to learn the
fundamentals of skating.
The program,
which was launched in Stouffville in 2022. Fall and winter sessions proved very
popular with local residents. Sessions were filled quickly and a waiting list
created.
The program,
which is being supported by Hockey Canada, is fully sponsored by Stouffville’s
Kids First Fund and the Whitchurch-Stouffville Legacy Fund.
“It's all about building
community through skating,” Peter Harmsen of the Kids First Fund. “We know
there are kids and teens in Stouffville who have never been on skates. We want
to give them that opportunity to hopefully pick up a pastime they can enjoy for
the rest of their lives.”
The program
includes two sets of 10 sessions held Tuesdays from Oct. 17 to Dec. 19 from 5
to 6 p.m. and 6 to 7 p.m. at the Stouffville Arena, Pad A, 12438 Ninth Line,
Stouffville. Participants will spend one hour on ice each week with a very high
ratio of instructors to skaters. Instructors will include volunteer
facilitators from the Ontario Minor Hockey Association Coaching Program.
There will be
a maximum of 35 participants in each session. A priority will be given to
Whitchurch-Stouffville residents.
Each
participant will receive a complimentary jersey.
Participants
will be sized for hockey equipment and provided a checklist of items they need
during an orientation session Oct. 10 at the Stouffville Arena.
“They’ll learn
the fundamentals of skating,” said Harmsen. “And we hope this program will
encourage them to come and try hockey with the Whitchurch-Stouffville Minor Hockey
Association, Stouffville Markham Stars Girls Hockey Association or the
Stouffville Figure Skating Club. It allows children who are unsure about
playing hockey the opportunity to try without committing to an entire season.
“But if they
never play hockey, they’ll know how to skate.”
Only a few spots remaining
2023 October Learn To Skate registration link