There is something very Canadian about learning how to skate.
A pair of groups in Medicine Hat have partnered to offer kids who have immigrated here this opportunity.
Saamis Immigration and Ever Active Schools have their last of these three sessions taking place on Friday at the Redcliff arena.
Maria is a seven-year-old from Ukraine who moved to Canada about a year ago.
She was skating during the event last Friday, as her fourth time on the ice.
“It feels like it’s something that you have to be very focused on, have balance,” Maria said.
“It’s something that if you learn it, it’s just like a hobby. It will go well.”
Polina similar to Maria moved to Canada from Ukraine about a year ago.
The nine-year-old says that the program has offered her the first opportunity to skate and is something she will continue to do.
“It’s pretty good, but I just need to learn how to stay properly on and don’t fall and try to stand up, because today I fell one time,” Polina said.
“It’s not pretty bad, but it’s a bit tricky for me.”
Players and staff from the Medicine Hat College Rattlers Women’s hockey team have been helping with the program on ice.
They also had a skate drive held at one of their home games to help collect skates for the event to happen.
Team captain Madison King said it’s fun being able to help the kids learn.
“It’s an awesome opportunity teaching the kids how to skate,” King said.
“Lots of them it’s their first experience, so we are here to be a part of it and have a great attitude and that’s good for all of us,” she added.
“We really enjoy it so far.”
For these kids being able to try skating can lead to something they enjoy long term.
Maria feels learning to skate might lead to another hobby for her.
“I think hockey might be my hobby, personally,” Maria said.
“I think that just coming to the skate park. Just skating around with a few of my friends. Is just so enjoyable for a normal evening.”
Several skate drives were held leading up to help get the skates for the kids to use during these sessions as this is the first time the groups have run this program.
It’s expected to be something they continue on an annual basis to allow newcomers a chance to learn a Canadian past time.
