Advanced CanSkate Figure Skating:

ESPSC is thrilled to continue our Advanced CanSkate Figure Skating program for the new skating season!

Program Overview: This program is designed to enhance the CanSkate experience for young skaters interested in pursuing figure skating. Participants will progress through the CanSkate program while focusing on developing the fundamental skills necessary for advancement to STAR 1. The program emphasizes learning essential figure skating elements in a structured and supportive environment.

Program Highlights:

• Extended Ice Time: Each session is 1 hour long, providing skaters with more ice time to practice and refine their skills. This aligns with Skate Canada and Sport Canada's Long Term Athlete Development (LTAD) model, ensuring comprehensive development.

• Fundamental Skills: Skaters will focus on mastering basic figure skating elements, and building a strong foundation for future progression. The curriculum includes a variety of exercises to enhance Balance, Control, and Agility.

• Progressive Learning: As skaters advance through the program, they will continue to build on their skills, preparing them for more advanced levels in figure skating.

• Qualified Instructors: Taught by a team of NCCP-certified coaches. Offering personalized feedback and tailored guidance to help each skater develop at their own pace.

Adaptive Skating:

Our Advanced CanSkate Figure Skate program is inclusive and welcoming to skaters of all abilities. We proudly support athletes with cognitive and physical disabilities or impairments who can participate in Special Olympics in either recreational or competitive skating. The program is designed to accommodate individual needs, ensuring every skater can develop their skills in a supportive environment. Our coaches are experienced in working with athletes of varying abilities, and we strive to create a positive and encouraging atmosphere for all participants. 

Through Adaptive Skating, athletes develop sports skills, social skills, and self-esteem to assist them in becoming an involved member of the community. It promotes an active lifestyle and quality of life for persons with intellectual disabilities through participation in sports.

Adaptive Skating Competition:

Special Olympics Skating offers the opportunity for athletes with intellectual and physical disabilities to compete at invitational, interclub, and international competitions.

• SINGLES: Level 1 - 6
• DANCE (Solo & Pattern Ice Dance): Level 1 - 6
• Pairs FreeSkate: Level 1 - 3
• Adult Singles: Master 1/2 - 3/4

For detailed competition information, please refer to the Special Olympics Competition Page.

• Ice Fees: Included in the program registration fee.

• Coaching Fees: Included in the program registration fee.

• Competition Fees: Skate Canada lists a fee for each event (Elements, Improv, Team, etc.). Additionally, there may be a coaching fee for the time spent with the skater at the event, which varies per coach.

Adaptive Skating Competition:

Special Olympics Skating offers the opportunity for athletes with intellectual and physical disabilities to compete at invitational, interclub, and international competitions.

• SINGLES: Level 1 - 6
• DANCE (Solo & Pattern Ice Dance): Level 1 - 6
• Pairs FreeSkate: Level 1 - 3
• Adult Singles: Master 1/2 - 3/4

For detailed competition information, please refer to the Special Olympics Competition Page.

Schedule:

• Thursday Evenings: 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

• Sunday Mornings: 9:45 AM - 10:45 AM

Eligibility: Your child may have already been identified as a good candidate for this program last season and may have received a note in their CanSkate report card. This program is perfect for those who are committed to advancing their figure skating skills and eager to take the next step in their skating journey.

Join us and help your child achieve their figure skating dreams! ⛸️✨

If you are interested in signing your child up for Advanced CanSkate Figure Skating and did not receive a note please contact Tanya Pilat, Program Coordinator at skating@espsc.ca to see if the program would be a good fit for them. 

Equipment:

• CSA-approved hockey helmet (For those in Stage 6 can go without a helmet) – no bicycle helmets

• Sharpened skates – hockey or figure skates, whichever is preferred

  • Figure Skate Sharpening: Getting figure skates sharpened at a local figure skate-specific sharpener is recommended. Most retail sharpeners are not trained in the specifics of figure skate blades. Please discuss with your club coach for further details. The prices at the local sharpener recommended by club coaches are $15.

  • Hockey Skate Sharpening: For hockey skates go to any local sharpener (retail or private). The price at many local pro shops is $10 - $15.

    • When To Sharpen Skates: It is recommended to get skates sharpened approximately every 15-20 hours of skating.

• Mittens or gloves

• Warm clothing – long pants and a warm sweater or jacket

• Soft cloth or towel for drying skates and blades to prevent rust

• Skate guards – hard guards are recommended for walking back and forth to the ice surface, as well as soft guards/soakers for keeping blades protected and rust-free between skating sessions in your skate bag

For examples of equipment, how to wear it, and recommendations refer to our Equipment Information playlist!

At the coach's recommendation, your child will progress into the STAR 1 program. For more information about the STAR program visit STAR Skate.