Skate Canada launches revitalized CanSkate program

OTTAWA, ON: In rinks all across the country this fall, Canadians will experience the revitalized CanSkate program. Using every inch of the ice surface, skaters will learn 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 skater success in developing stronger basic skills and developing them faster.

Skate Canada clubs and skating schools will implement the new CanSkate program beginning September 1, 2014. The trademark learn-to-skate program was updated to reflect the principles in Sport Canada’s long-term athlete development plan (LTAD).

“For decades CanSkate has been teaching the best skaters in Canada how to skate. The program which has produced such great skaters as Patrick Chan, Tessa Virtue, Scott Moir and also hockey players like Jeff Skinner and Nathan MacKinnon has a proven track record of success,” said Dan Thompson, Skate Canada Chief Executive Officer. “The new CanSkate program will continue to offer all the components to create great skaters with fundamental skating skills that will transfer to all ice sports.”

The new program includes specific skills that pertain to hockey, ringette, speed skating and figure skating.  The result is a dynamic new program that prepares any skater for every ice sport. CanSkate is also modeled for the recreational skater to learn an active lifestyle activity.

Along with the new curriculum, other features include a fresh new look, new awards and great tools for coaches. Skate Canada is proud to have all its programs taught by professional coaches who are specially trained and certified through the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP).

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 Canada clubs from across Canada are excited as they prepare to deliver the new CanSkate and welcome all Canadians to learn the joy of skating. Please visit the Skate Canada website to find a club in your area.

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