Over 3,000 Canadians hit the ice this past season thanks to funding from the Community Sport for All Initiative

Local clubs offered barrier-free programming to introduce speed skating to new Canadians and underrepresented groups

OTTAWA, ONTARIO – Over 3,000 Canadians laced up their skates this past season – many for the very first time – thanks to a pair of barrier-free introductory skating programs delivered by Speed Skating Canada with funding from the federal government’s Community Sport for All Initiative.

The Community Sport for All Initiative (CSAI) is a Sport Canada grant program designed to increase participation in sport at the community level, especially for groups that are often underrepresented or face barriers for participation. Speed Skating Canada was awarded $220,000 in CSAI funding to expand the reach of the recently launched First & Fast Strides learn to skate program, while also providing new Canadians and underrepresented groups the opportunity to try the sport through the new Skate for All program.

CSAI funding was disbursed by Speed Skating Canada to local speed skating clubs, who were tasked with delivering free First & Fast Strides or Skate for All programs. By offering inclusive and barrier-free programming, clubs were able to strengthen community ties and provide a positive first experiences in sport for participants of all backgrounds, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to discover the joy of one of the country’s favourite pastimes.

First & Fast Strides

Launched in September 2024, the First & Fast Strides program presented by Bell was created to give Canadians an exciting new option for learning how to skate – or how to skate fast! Coaches use a fun and engaging curriculum to guide participants through a series of benchmark skills across ten program levels, teaching them how to glide, stride, cross-over and eventually race on ice. Skaters earn achievement rewards throughout the program, including pins, stickers and other unique incentives.

During the 2025-26 season, funding from the CSAI was used to expand the reach of the First & Fast Strides program into communities across the country.

23 local speed skating clubs across 10 different provinces and territories offered a minimum 6-week program at no cost to participants.

1,068 participants took part in First & Fast Strides programming, including 35% that identified as being part of an underrepresented group.

Over 88% of participants reported being very satisfied with the experience, with 79% indicating their interest in continuing the First & Fast Strides program in the future.

Skate For All

The all-new Skate for All program presented by Intact Insurance is a community-based initiative that provides youth, new Canadians and underrepresented groups with the opportunity to participate in no-cost local skating activities. The program sees speed skating clubs organize one-day events to provide new participants with inclusive and barrier-free access to the sport, creating an accessible, inclusive and welcoming environment to lace on skates for the first time.

During the 2025-26 season, CSAI funding was used to help clubs deliver Skate for All events in communities across the country.

41 local speed skating clubs across seven provinces and territories worked with local community organizations to target and recruit participants.

2,313 participants took part in Skate for All events, including 30% that identified as being part of an underrepresented group.

89% of participants indicated they were very satisfied with their experience, with 77% mentioning that they would like to continue skating.

Details about 2026-27 Programming

In partnership with Intact Insurance, Speed Skating Canada will once again offer the Skate for All program this coming season. The application process is now open, with grants available to support clubs in delivering both local and national Skate for All events at no cost to participants. Clubs are encouraged to review the Information Package below to learn more about the program details and deliverables. Applications must be submitted before August 9, 2026.