CANMORE – Do you have a need for speed?
The Banff Canmore Speed Skating Club (BCSSC) is preparing to host Try It Nights for both children and masters at the Canmore Recreation Centre.
“It’s a great chance to have kids come out and try speed skating without having to commit and maybe they wouldn’t have the opportunity to try if we didn’t host these sessions,” said Denise Wheelhouse, president of BCSSC. “We would be pleased to have anyone come out and give speed skating a try to see if they are interested. Hopefully they enjoy it and want to take up a new sport and if not that’s OK too.”
Despite the province’s latest public health restrictions, the three sessions will still take place at the rec centre and adhere to the Restrictions Exemption Program (REP), requiring proof of vaccination or a negative test result. Masks will still be required by all, except when engaged in physical activity.
The children's session is aimed at children aged five and up and they do not have to have skating experience. Free skate rentals and safety equipment will be provided.
“We are asking that those kids that have signed up to come early to get fitted with a pair of skates and protective gear. Then the coaches will take them onto the ice," said Wheelhouse. "Our coaches really encourage fun. So at the try it nights, there will be a focus on games that help to instill the fundamental skills at the same time.”
Wheelhouse said the 'try it' nights would not be possible without funding provided by the Wim & Nancy Pauw Foundation.
“They are a very supportive foundation of getting kids out and trying different things, and also making things more affordable for families,” said Wheelhouse.
The Just for Kids 'try it' nights are Sunday (Sept. 26) and Wednesday (Sept. 29). The sessions will be split into smaller groups at different times if there is a large number of interested skaters to keep the groups small.
The masters night will be Sunday (Oct. 3) and is for any adults at any skating ability to come and try the sport. Wheelhouse said if any of the nights do not work, the club is inviting those interested to try speed skating during its regular practices.
The club is asking that anyone interested in the 'try it' nights register at [email protected].
