Ontario Government Supports Youth Skating in the Province

OTTAWA, ON: The Ontario Government along with Skate Canada, Skate Ontario, and Canadian Tire activated an Ontario Sport and Recreation Communities Fund grant today in Toronto, Ontario.

The Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport, has provided Skate Ontario with a $197,220 Ontario Sport and Recreation Communities Fund. This grant will produce CanSkate kits filled with props that will enhance the visual aspect of the program. The kits were put together with the funds from the grant, with help from Canadian Tire, the presenting partner of CanSkate. The kits will be distributed to 360 Ontario skating clubs this season.

“Having different groups come together today to celebrate CanSkate is an exciting time. The Ontario Government has made an extensive contribution by providing our Ontario clubs with the tools to make CanSkate even more exciting for our youth,” said Dan Thompson, Chief Executive Officer, Skate Canada. “We hope with the help of partners like the Ontario Government and Canadian Tire we can encourage all Canadians to embrace the joy of skating.”

Over 30 CanSkaters participated in a CanSkate demonstration today at Leaside Gardens. Skaters used every inch of the ice surface, while learning the basics of skating through a complete series of balance, control and agility skills taught in six stages. CanSkate uses tested and proven new curriculum and delivery methods that guarantee a skater’s success in developing stronger basic skills and developing them faster.

“I’m proud of the work our government is doing to promote active lifestyles and grow participation in sport right here in Ontario by partnering with organizations like Skate Canada,” said the Honourable Michael Coteau, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport. “Skating is such an important part of our winter culture and it’s great to see CanSkate give all Canadians, young and old, the opportunity to get on the ice.”

“Ontario clubs are thrilled with this program and are excited to have a colourful, professional set of props to make CanSkate even more fun and interesting. The kit comes complete with a large equipment bag provided generously by Canadian Tire,” said Wendy St. Denis, President, Skate Ontario. “We are so thrilled to have the patronage of the Ontario Government and thank them for supporting youth to stay active with skating.”

CanSkate: Only The Best Can Bring Out Their Best
Action, movement and fun! Lessons are given in a group format with a coach-to-student ratio of a maximum 1:10. Skaters progress at their own rate and coaches make sessions active using teaching aids, upbeat music and a wide variety of activities that create a motivational environment and promote learning.  Badges, ribbons and other incentives are used to benchmark skaters’ progress and reward effort and participation.

Skate Ontario
Skate Ontario is a unique body which was incorporated in 1982 as the sole Provincial Sport Organization (PSO) recognized by the Ontario Government for figure skating in the Province of Ontario. Through the four Ontario Skate Canada member Sections we provide developmental and competitive opportunities for approximately 75,000 members including competitive, recreational and Special Olympic skaters as well as coaches and officials.

 

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