Free skating event for Windsor newcomers returns to Charles Clark Square this Saturday

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After being suspended last year due to COVID-19 precautions, a downtown Windsor tradition is returning this weekend: Free ice skating for newcomer families at Charles Clark Square.

Presented by All Saints’ Anglican Church and the YMCA of Southwestern Ontario, the afternoon event (taking place 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm on Saturday) is meant to provide recent immigrant adults and children with their first experiences of a quintessential Canadian wintertime activity.

Participants will be fitted with loaner skates for free, while church volunteers and YMCA representatives will provide skating instruction and encouragement.

There will be games and activities to help total beginners get comfortable on the ice.

Volunteer interactions will be COVID-conscious. Participants must bring masks and have proof of vaccination.

Experienced skaters are welcome to attend and bring their own skates. Pre-registration is required due to space limitations. Call 519-982-4065.

Community agencies, faith groups, and cultural clubs are invited to share the event information and refer interested newcomer families.

The event is now in its sixth year.

Charles Clark Square is located at 215 Chatham St. East.

Omar Kouaissem, a newcomer from Syria, zips across the ice at the 5th annual Newcomer Skate at Charles Clark Square on Feb. 1, 2020.
Omar Kouaissem, a newcomer from Syria, makes his way across the ice at the 5th annual newcomer skating event at Charles Clark Square on Feb. 1, 2020. Photo by Dax Melmer /Windsor Star
Nasser Alissa and his daughter Sharine share some smiles at the fourth annual newcomer skating event at Charles Clark Square in downtown Windsor on Feb. 2, 2019.
Nasser Alissa and his daughter Sharine share some smiles at the fourth annual newcomer skating event at Charles Clark Square in downtown Windsor on Feb. 2, 2019. Photo by Dan Janisse /Windsor Star
A view of the crowd at the fourth annual newcomer skating event at Charles Clark Square in downtown Windsor on Feb. 2, 2019.
A view of the crowd at the fourth annual newcomer skating event at Charles Clark Square in downtown Windsor on Feb. 2, 2019. Photo by Dan Janisse /Windsor Star


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