Tag Archive for: Covid-19

Return To Skating

Dear Members and Registrants,

In these uncertain times for our organization, our communities and our world, we want to assure our Skate Canada family that we are all in this together.

This is an unprecedented time for all of us and there is no playbook to refer to. We need to follow the lead of our government officials and health care authorities and do our part to overcome this pandemic together.

We know our community is eager to get back on the ice and resume skating activities. Several provincial governments have released frameworks for reopening services and lifting restrictions on physical/social distancing. As a result, effective immediately, we have lifted the suspension of Skate Canada activities, with limitations.

For skating to resume the below restriction must be adhered to:

  • Skate Canada sections, clubs and skating schools can resume only if permitted by the jurisdiction they are located in. This means that all members and registrants must follow the precautions outlined by their provincial and municipal governments and their local venue operators.

As the COVID-19 response varies from location to location, there is no standard approach that applies to all clubs and schools. However, Skate Canada has developed Return to Skating Guidelines. The guidelines follow recommendations from the Public Health Agency of Canada to help limit the spread of COVID-19 and ensure all participants feel safe while participating in skating activities.

Since each province’s reopening plan differs, it is the responsibility of the section, club, skating school and coach to abide by the various requirements outlined by their governments. The timeline for reopening will vary depending on your jurisdiction, so not all clubs and skating schools will be able to resume collectively.

It is imperative that all clubs, skating schools and coaches reach out to their Section to inquire about provincial regulations and how skating is affected in your area.  Skate Canada and all Sections are working together to find the way forward and will regroup regularly to ensure inquiries are addressed.

As information is released and further best practices for facilitating skating are developed, we will continue to update the community. As a reminder, due to the fluidity of COVID-19, Skate Canada has created a dedicated webpage as a primary resource for our members and registrants.

Thank you for taking the necessary precautions and doing what you can to limit the spread of COVID-19. By working together and going the extra mile, as an organization and as neighbours, we can make a difference.

If you have questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected] or 1-888-747-2372.

In difficult times, an opportunity to say thank you

In these uncertain times for our organization, our communities and our world, we want to assure our Skate Canada family that we are all in this together.

Thank you for taking the necessary precautions and doing what you can to limit the spread of COVID-19. By working together and going the extra mile, as an organization and as neighbours, we can make a difference.

It’s hard to believe a few short weeks ago we were preparing to welcome the world to Montreal for the ISU World Figure Skating Championships® 2020.

To the athletes, coaches, officials, staff, volunteers and fans from all over the world, we are grateful for all your hard work and dedication in the three years of planning leading up to the world championships, one we know would have been a tremendous success. When our lives return to normal and the doors once again open in rinks from coast-to-coast-to-coast, we will look back on Montreal 2020 as the greatest skating event that never happened.

Our world has changed since then. Right now, we are facing a reality that not only transcends sports, but our everyday lives. Like the rest of the world, we are adjusting and adapting to suit the situation. We have risen to the challenge with flexibility, resilience and compassion, and will continue to do so for as long as we must.

In difficult times comes an opportunity to be there for each other, help each other and care for each other.

It is also a time reflect and be grateful.

To the world’s best skaters, thank you for inspiring us by showing that in order to grow stronger, we must, at one time, conquer adversity.

To all sections, clubs, skating schools, coaches and officials at every level, thousands of Skate Canada volunteers, office staff and fans from all over the world, thank you for your dedication to our sport, our athletes and our organization.

Our thoughts are with all those affected in communities not only in Canada, but around the world. We are grateful for the healthcare workers, first responders and others on the front line. It is truly in times like these in which heroes are born.

This is an unprecedented time for all of us. There is no playbook to refer to. We need to follow the lead of our government officials and health care authorities and do our part to overcome this challenging time.

Even at this difficult hour, we must remember this is temporary. Our lives and our organization will return to normal. We will learn from this and be stronger for it. Until then, be safe and be there for each other.

From all of us at Skate Canada, stay healthy and #StayHome.

Brighter days are ahead. And we will get through this together.

Skate Canada Sanctioned Activities Suspended due to COVID-19

March 17, 2020

Skate Canada Sanctioned Activities Suspended due to COVID-19

Dear members and registrants,

Following up on the communication dated March 13, 2020, regarding Skate Canada’s COVID-19 response, the situation continues to change as expected and consequently we have revised our position.

The events of the past days and weeks have been unprecedented and the federal, provincial and municipal governments have implemented several new restrictions.

Effective March 19, 2020, all Skate Canada sanctioned activities and programming are suspended until further notice.

We acknowledge the immense amount of work that has been done by our sections, clubs and skating schools this season. Many difficult decisions are being made during this global pandemic and the health and safety of our entire membership is our top priority.  Skate Canada will continue to closely monitor the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) situation and provide updates as information evolves.

Please contact your club or section directly if you have been impacted by cancelled activities, events, or competitions to inquire about their cancellation and refund policy.

As always please always follow proper hygiene as noted below and be safe.

Proper hygiene can help reduce the risk of infection or spreading infection to others. Please use the following precautions:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the washroom and when preparing food. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
  • Cough or sneeze into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Dispose of any tissues you have used as soon as possible in a lined waste basket and wash your hands afterwards.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Clean high-touch surfaces frequently with regular household cleaners or diluted bleach (a 9/1 water-to-bleach ratio is recommended)
  • Avoid physical contact and getting too close to others, including shaking hands and hugging.
  • If you are a healthy individual, the use of a mask is not recommended for preventing the spread of COVID-19.

If you are sick or have any symptoms of respiratory illness such as fever, cough or difficulty breathing, please stay at home, consult with your physician or public heath authorities and follow their instructions. Limit contact with others and avoid interaction with individuals who are ill.

If you have questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected] or 1-888-747-2372 ext: 703.