A new community program at Edmonton's Downtown Community Arena is preparing elementary school students for ice sports and recreational skating.
The CanSkate@School program is the first learn-to-skate program funded through a partnership between the City of Edmonton and Oilers Entertainment Group (OEG). The program is administered by the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation (EOCF) as part of the Downtown Community Arena Agreement.
The partnership fund, jointly managed by OEG and the City of Edmonton, was kick-started by a $1 million contribution from the EOCF and Katz family as part of the facility development agreement. The mandate of the program fund is to ensure high needs residents are able to take part in skating and other activities in their community at the Downtown Community Arena.
"As part of Glen Sather's banner raising celebration in 2015, the Foundation and Katz family announced a contribution of $1 million in partnership with the City of Edmonton to support new programs at the Edmonton Downtown Community Arena," said Natalie Minckler, EOCF Executive Director. "We believe that this partnership can create a long-term positive impact for inner city residents."
Developed using Skate Canada's Long Term Athletic Development model, the CanSkate@School program includes classroom and on-ice activities.
Through a connection with Ever Active Schools and guidance of Skate Canada's professional coaches, students have the opportunity to learn control and balance, and become more agile and quick on the ice.
"Enhancing access for surrounding communities and providing opportunities to be active within the facility was always the vision for the Downtown Community Arena," said Brad Badger, Director of Programs and Events with the City of Edmonton's Community and Recreation Facilities Branch. "This program sees that vision come to life thanks to our partnership with the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation, and other stakeholders at this facility."
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