Skaters at Bower Ponds. (rdnewsNOW/Ashley Lavallee-Koenig)

By Ashley Lavallee-Koenig

14TH ANNUAL LEARN TO SKATE EVENT

Care for Newcomers event skates new residents into Canadian tradition

Jan 2, 2025 | 4:19 PM

On January 2, Bower Ponds played host to a gliding group of newcomer Canadians who attended the Care for Newcomers’ annual Learn to Skate event.

Running for 14 years, the free event provides youth and their family who are new to Canada, with equipment and an afternoon of instruction in the basic skills of skating, all while enjoying a local gem and making community connections.

“We want them to see that they are welcome here, they can integrate, they can experience that cold outside. Experiencing the hot chocolate outside in the cold is something you usually don’t have back home, especially if you’re coming from a hot country,” explained Ola Zein Alabdin, a youth leader with the organization’s SNAP stream (Settlement for Newcomers Through Activities and Programs).

The event began in 2012 after a newcomer student shared their desire to learn how to skate. Organization officials say youth can easily feel too embarrassed to attempt skating with Canadian peers, and the program gives them an opportunity to learn without the pressure.

In 2024, the event saw about 180 attendees, which Zein Alabdin said is a typical turnout, depending on weather.

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The event also heads off the beginning of the weekly Friday Youth Skate Night program, designed for newcomer or Canadian middle and high school-aged youth. The first Friday event, January 3, will run 1-3 p.m. Afterward, the program will continue every Friday from 5-8 p.m. through March.

“They are so welcome to come, no matter where they are from, no matter what they think, no matter what their background is, they are more than welcome to join us. It’s a safe environment for everyone, no matter what, and we welcome everybody with an open heart,” said Zein Alabdin. She added that she has participated in the program as a youth, volunteer, and a leader, and has loved it at every stage.

The Friday skate events will be held at the Bower Place Community Association Rink (85 Boyce Street) and in addition to skating, there will be indoor games, a fire, and hot chocolate for warming up.

Mayor Ken Johnston hits the Bower Ponds ice with newcomer youth on January 2, 2025. (Supplied)