Pickering, Canadian Tire offering teens free Learn to Skate program

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Published January 13, 2023 at 9:26 am

The City of Pickering and Canadian Tire Jumpstart are offering a free Learn To Skate program starting January 23.

The 50-minute program will run on Mondays for 10 weeks from January 23 – April 3, starting at 4 p.m. at Delaney Arena. Participating Pickering teens (13-19) will be provided with helmets, skates, protective pads, gear bag and hoodies so they can fully participate in the program safely “with no barriers to access the necessary equipment,” declared Andrea Panitz, the Co-ordinator, Camps & Youth Programs with the Community Services Department

The teens will also get to keep all equipment once the program is finished.

The first class will take place Monday, January 23 at the Canadian Tire store in Pickering (1735 Pickering Parkway) at 4:00 p.m. to get the participants properly fitted for their skates and helmets.

“The goal of this program is to allow teens who have never ice skated before the opportunity to learn how to skate,” said Panitz. “Each session will build on prior knowledge and skill development. By the end of the session participants will be able to feel confident on the ice and then will be able to continue to use that weekly ice time to further develop their skills.”

The goal is to provide a safe, inclusive and accepting environment to all Teen Learn to Skate participants regardless of skill level and gender, she added. “Our aim is to increase physical literacy and self-confidence by providing a beginner level Teen Learn To Skate program that allows teens to feel comfortable and confident in this sport, while engaging in a socially active environment.”

Registration opened this week and spaces will be limited. Go to pickering.ca/active to register (Activity Code: 43301).

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