A free learn-to-skate program that offers lessons to international students has made its way to Waterloo Region.
Motivate 2 Skate has been hosted by Your Neighbourhood Credit Union every Friday since Jan. 27 and will run until March 3 at the Cambridge Sports Park.
Along with giving students a taste of Canadian culture, Archie Bonifacio, chief community officer at YNCU, hopes to build community connection through the initiative.
“We decided we wanted to do something for the community that’s a bit more grassroots,” Bonifacio said.
“We reached out to Conestoga College asking if there was anyone who would like to learn how to skate. Skating is such a Canadian sport that brings us together and it’s an opportunity for them to learn in a very safe environment. It’s about connecting the community.”
Each week the turnout improves as word of the program spreads among students, Bonifacio says.
When participants arrive at the rink, they’re supplied with everything they need to take part, including skates and helmets.
Once out on the ice, they’re instructed by volunteers from YNCU who have a skating background either through hockey or figure skating.
“Being a community partner is one of our core principles,” Bonifacio said.
“Programs like this that give back and engage in the community are so important.”
Regardless of their skating ability or how far they progress each week, Bonifacio thinks of the bigger picture when it comes to what he hopes the students take from the experience.
“We want them to know people are here to help them,” he said.
"We have such a great country and wonderful communities. I hope they can take away some great friendships, a comfort level with skating and hopefully they’ll sign up for lessons in the future. It’s very fulfilling because you get to see people grow week to week.”
Jhansi Kandhi, a participant, is from India and studying business administration management at Conestoga College. She heard about the program through social media and jumped at the opportunity to try a new activity.
“I was scrolling through Instagram and found out about it,” Kandhi said.
“In Canada there’s mostly winter sports and you need to have something fun to do in the winter. I saw this and I signed up right away.”
Kandhi admits she’s fallen a few times while learning, but says that’s all part of the process.
“I’m more of a courageous person,” she said with a laugh. “I decided I can do it and that I will do it.”
For those who may be intimidated, Kandhi says the program is about much more than just learning a new skill.
“It’s a lot of fun,” she said.
“It’s not just about learning, it's about meeting new people and making new friends. I definitely want to continue skating once this ends.”
On-ice sessions run from 11:15 to 12:15 a.m. but will be taking a break on Feb. 17 for reading week.
For more information on Motivate 2 Skate visit yncu.com.