I love, you love, we all love to skate!

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March 1, 2024
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Recreation and parks

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.

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.

“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.