Paris Ringette Association invites you to a FREE ‘Learn to Play’ Day, September 7th

By Casandra Turnbull

Parents, do you have a child who wants to learn how to skate, but you’re stuck on how to get them started? If this sounds like your family, draw your attention to the Paris Ringette Association (PRA) and its Learn to Skate program Before we get into the details, let me issue a statement of full disclosure: I’m writing this article from a perspective stemming from personal experience with the PRA – and I’m delivering a raving review of this program, let’s begin. Last fall, my nine-year-old daughter wanted to take up skating. She was determined to join a hockey team, maybe figure skate, she wasn’t sure, but ringette was not on her radar. I heard of the Learn to Skate program and I figured that it would be a great place to start. I had no expectations. My daughter is the type to try a new sport or activity each year without much commitment to carrying on after it’s over So, this program was a great fit – she would learn to skate, hopefully in eight sessions, and then decide if it was for her Three lessons in and she was standing by herself and moving around with ease. It was remarkable the number of instructors and helpers on the ice to guide these kids and make them feel comfortable. They used a variety of techniques, activities and games to encourage the kids to skate. Everyone beginner was paired with an instructor, so no kid was left behind. And the instructors exercised so much patience, passing along their knowledge with encouragement. Some of the quick learners on the ice had a chance to skate with a ringette stick in hand, trying to maneuver the ring and take their first shots on net Other skaters, many as young as two or three years old, spent every session improving and gaining more on-ice independence. My daughter started lessons in October and by December, she was promoted to the FUN2 team where she learned more about the game, and she was introduced to her new teammates.

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Have you ever wondered what Ringette is all about? Come out and try the sport on September 7th at 11 am at the Brant Sports Complex. The Paris Ringette Association also offers an eightweek Learn to Skate program. Olivia, pictured to the left, enrolled in the Learn to Skate program last fall. Within weeks she learned to skate and moved up to a FUN2 team. Follow the PRA online via their website or social media.

Photo by Michelle Malvaso at February 2024 Tournament hosted by Paris Ringette Association