Learn-to-skate program for Nanaimo schools receives RBC Foundation Grant

Third consecutive year City of Nanaimo is awarded this coveted grant.

NEWS RELEASE - Distributed September 29, 2016 10:00 AM

Summary

The City of Nanaimo is once again pleased to announce it has received a grant from the RBC Foundation Learn-to-Play Project. This grant assists in the development and provision of our School-based Learn-to-Skate program to local schools, daycares and pre-schools. This program has steadily advanced the objective of providing high-quality skating lessons to school children in the community.

The grant subsidizes the cost of the program for the schools taking pressure off of PAC's and other funding sources. Over the past decade, cost has become a significant barrier for schools to partake of this valuable opportunity. A primary focus of this program is to foster the concepts of Physical Literacy, Sport for Life and encourage a love of physical activity in children by exposing them to Canada's lifelong passion with ice sports.

The RBC Learn to Play Project provides grants to local organizations and communities in support of building the physical literacy of Canada's kids and youth. This year, RBC, ParticipACTION and the Public Health Agency of Canada will award $2,000,000 in grants to support a wide variety of programs.

Lessons begin Tuesday, September 27 and are available in both Nanaimo Ice Centre and the Frank Crane Arena at a variety of times.

Link to Strategic Plan: Social Equity; Recreation, Culture, Sports and Tourism; Community Wellness

Key Points

A grant was awarded by the RBC Foundation Learn to Play Project to the City of Nanaimo Parks and Recreation department and will directly benefit the school-based Learn-to-Skate program.
The Learn-to-Skate program is offered to schools, daycares and preschools in the area and runs from the end of September to the end of March.
Many excellent times are available for schools in the first three sets up until Christmas.

Quotes

"Early exposure to these physical literacy concepts is an effective way to encourage lifelong participation in an active lifestyle."

Gary Paterson

Recreation Coordinator - Arenas

City of Nanaimo

Quick Facts

RBC Foundation support will be provided to our daytime school-based Learn-to-Skate programs that get more children introduced to ice skating in general and, more specifically, to a variety of ice sports, including hockey.
This program is an ideal way to break down barriers to participation, including various social, economic and cultural aspects of play and participation.
This is an introduction to ice sports, including hockey, for new Canadians, those of limited financial means and family support, and those who experience other social, physical and mental challenges.
Working though the school system is a wonderful way to reach and engage the widest range of impressionable children in our communities.

Images

Small groups of children are introduced to skating by highly qualified instructors

Instructor Elizabeth Bassett from the City of Nanaimo working with a small group of youngsters.

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Contact:

Gary Paterson

Recreation Coordinator - Arenas

City of Nanaimo

(250) 755-7536

gary.paterson@nanaimo.ca

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