Whitchurch-Stouffville children and teens who don’t know how to skate can learn free of charge this fall, thanks to a new 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 is being supported by Hockey Canada, is fully sponsored by Stouffville’s Kids First Fund.
“It’s all about building community through skating,” said 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.”
Beginning Oct. 12, the program includes 10 sessions held Wednesdays from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Stouffville Arena, Pad A, at 12438 Ninth Line. 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.
Each participant will receive a complimentary jersey.
“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 or Stouffville Markham Stars Girls Hockey Association. 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.”
To register, go to https://wsmha.com/ and click on Learn to Skate
