Feature story
Over 250 children in Ottawa learned how to skate this winter thanks to the I Love to Skate program.
![A group of children participating in the I Love to Skate program pose on the ice at the Canadian Tire Centre with Ottawa Senators ambassador of fun, Spartacat.](/sites/default/files/styles/rectangle_xs/public/2024-02/2024-02-25_I-Love-to-Skate_01.jpg?itok=tt8xy7m9)
In partnership with Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities, Senators Community Foundation and local community groups, the City of Ottawa is wrapping up another successful season of the I Love to Skate program.
I Love to Skate gives local children ages six to 12 the opportunity to skate by supplying them new ice skates and helmets. A series of skating lessons with an experienced coach are also provided at 15 outdoor rinks across Ottawa.
This past Sunday, we celebrated 11 years of I Love to Skate with a festival at the Canadian Tire Centre. Over 250 children took to the ice with their new equipment and showed off their skating skills, sharpened by their afternoons of lessons.
![Image 1: A rink in the Canadian Tire Centre full of children skating during the I Love to Skate festival. Image 2: Two young children pose for a photo while skating the Canadian Tire Centre during the I Love to Skate festival. Image 3: Three young children pose for a photo while skating the Canadian Tire Centre during the I Love to Skate festival. Image 4: Several children skating around a rink at the Canadian Tire Centre during the I Love to Skate festival.](/sites/default/files/styles/rectangle_xs/public/2024-02/2024-545_I-Love-to-Skate-collage.jpg?itok=VfuwwSJl)
“My 10 year old daughter loved the I Love to Skate festival,” shared Mrs. Nicole Dagri. “We went on the ice and it’s like Maxima had been skating forever. She was like a pro. I didn’t understand how it was possible. She came back home and she went skating again where she started playing with a hockey stick.”
Learn more about the program on our I Love to Skate page and get ready for season 12 next winter!
Until then, drop in to a free public or family skating session at various City-operated outdoor rinks and indoor arenas.
For more information on City programs and services, visit ottawa.ca, call 3-1-1 (TTY: 613-580-2401) or 613-580-2400 to contact the City using Canada Video Relay Service. You can also connect with us through Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.