For athletes of all abilities.
At Skate Canada, we believe that athletes of all abilities should have equal opportunity to experience the joy of skating. Our adaptive skating offerings empower skaters with physical and cognitive disabilities or impairments to thrive on the ice. The CanSkate, PowerSkate, and STAR 1-5 programs are all open to adaptive skaters, with elements tailored to their unique needs.
Coaches and clubs collaborate with skaters and caregivers to create personalized plans, including introducing potential mobility aids like sleds, walkers, or gliders so that skaters feel their most confident on the ice.
CanSkate
If you’re new to skating, CanSkate is the perfect starting line. Designed for beginners of all ages and abilities, this is Canada’s premier learn-to-skate program. You’ll master all the basic skating skills and fundamental movements to kick-start your journey on the ice. Participants can wear skates, be in a sled, or use a mobility aid during sessions.
StarSkate
The STARSkate and STAR 1-5 programs are designed for skaters who have completed CanSkate and are ready to glide into figure skating. Learn the various disciplines of figure skating, while participating in assessments and competitions. Curriculum can be customized for adaptive skaters, with adaptations made in collaboration with Skate Canada’s national office.
PowerSkate
Ready to take your game to the next level? PowerSkate is the ideal program for proficient adaptive skaters. This program emphasizes balance, control, and agility skills to enhance the performance of hockey, para hockey, and ringette players. Participants can skate in traditional skates or use a sled.
Figure skating at the Special Olympics
Special Olympics Figure Skating is a proud part of Skate Canada’s adaptive skating programs. This global grassroots movement serves over 4.5 million individuals with intellectual disabilities across 170 countries, providing them with community programs and competition opportunities. Find out more about the movement and its chapters here.
Special Olympic athletes can also advance through local, provincial, national, and world competitions. Skate Canada partners with Special Olympics Canada to establish a comprehensive event structure, ensuring a fair and supportive competitive environment for all. Find out more about the Special Olympics competitions here.