With the advent of affordable computer games and electronic pastimes many children have started to lead sedentary lifestyles which can lead to obesity and, later in life, health problems such as heart disease.
Taking up an active hobby such as skating can help a child to keep fit and healthy, whilst also leading to good habits in adulthood.
Skating is a relatively low cost pastime for many families. The only equipment you need is a pair of skates and some protective gear.
This is essential, especially if the child is inexperienced or taking part in a particularly fast, aggressive session of skating.
A good quality pair of skates is relatively inexpensive, especially if you buy from a specialist company.
Public skating is offered at Grand Forks Arena throughout the week.
Monday morning, Success by Six has sponsored free skating for children under six years of age.
Skate rentals are free during this time. On Mondays, Grand Forks figure skating coach Carla Bryan will be on the ice from 10 to 11 a.m. to offer games and activities. Public skating is offered on Tuesday afternoons from 3:45 to 4:45 p.m. and again on Friday afternoons from 1:45 to 3:30 p.m. for just a toonie. This is a great time for kids to get on the ice and have some fun with family and friends.
Families can enjoy a skate on Saturday evenings from 5 to 6:30 p.m. or again on Sunday afternoons from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday afternoon session are canceled if there are Grand Forks Border Bruins games. Regular admission applies to both the Saturday and Sunday sessions.
If you are an adult and would like extra ice time to work on your skating skills or get a workout indoors, Grand Forks Recreation (GFREC) offers adult only skate sessions every Wednesday morning from 10 to 11 a.m. Drop-in fee is just regular public skating admission.
Please pick up an October flyer for details on our public skating sessions, or for more information, please give GFREC a call at 250-442-2202 or email us at gfplay@rdkb.com.