SPORTS Ringette – invented in Canada and often referred to as the fastest sport on ice!

How much do you know about the sport? The Paris Ringette Association has the answers, and they invite you to come find out!

By Casandra Turnbull

Did you know that Ringette is most popular in Canada and Finland, perhaps because it was a Canadian invention? Since its debut in 1963, Canadians have enjoyed this sport dubbed the fastest sport on ice.

If you’re not too familiar with this sport, you’re in luck because Paris Ringette Association has a strong program right here in town and they’re always accepting new participants.

“Every year, we try to advertise our sport as much as possible and hope to gain more and more participants through the Come Try Ringette event, as well as our Learn to Skate Program,” said Courtney Boehmer, Coaching and Sponsorship Coordinator as and Public Relations for the Paris Ringette Association (PRA). This year the organization welcomed a few new players through the Come and Try event, always held in the summer ahead of a new season. The one-time session gives people a chance to rent equipment and just come on the ice and learn the basics of the sport. PRA volunteers are on the ice to help one-on-one with newcomers. However, numbers in the younger age categories are down a bit this year, making it difficult to form teams for games and tournaments That’s why the PRA hopes it’s Learn to Skate program will introduce some new players to the sport and catch their interest “We have always had a great turnout for this program,” said Nicole Kipp, who runs the program. Most parents/caregivers sign their child up just to learn how to skate and sometimes it really piques their interest, and they graduate to a Fun 2 team “We as an association use this to introduce families to the sport and continue to grow our association,” she added.

The Paris Ringette Association is always looking for new members. In fact, they need younger players to help fill out some rosters Do you have a child who is eager to Learn to Skate? Consider registering for this program, you won’t be disappointed!

Kipp explains that Learn to Skate program is fundamentals based and provides children the ability to move up based on skill and development (not necessarily age). “We do our best to get the kids skating independently. Once they accomplish this, we work on agility, balance, and skills through fun play. We play games and try to have our skill development be fun like jumping and spinning with hula hoops, sliding under pool noodles to encourage standing up independent once they fall, and kicking, throwing, and chasing balls for speed and balance.” Continued on page 8

And everything taught is aligned with the fundamental program set up by Ringette Ontario.

The program is run by some fantastic volunteers, adds Kipp. “It's so amazing to have the older kids within our association leading, supporting and teaching the young skaters It's a great way to give back. A lot of the kids came up through this program and are now loving the sport of ringette and it's rewarding to see them teach our future players ” Speaking of volunteers, it takes a small army so successfully run the association.

“Volunteering is a thankless job, and we really want to say thank you to each one of our volunteers who help make Paris Ringette the Association what it is today,” said Boehmer “Our executive members are always brainstorming for what we can improve on and new ideas for the Association ”

She also acknowledged the tireless dedication of coaches, team managers, and the player development team. Much like the sport itself, it really is a team effort. PRA encourages volunteers to step