Young Montrealers learn to skate for inclusion

Young Montrealers hit the skating rink Saturday as part of the Bell Starting Line program.

The initiative promotes inclusion in sports with a focus on those with immigrant backgrounds.

Families arrived at the Maurice Richard Arena at 10 a.m. to get suited in skates and helmets.

Speed Skating Canada says the event was a partnership on multiple levels.

“We partnered with Bell and the Canadian Olympic Committee and brought a whole bunch of people together to support this event,” Speed Skating Canada CEO Joe Morissette said.

“Kids come in with their parents. They learn about skating, they learn about safety. And if they really like the sport afterwards, we help them find a club and we help subsidize their participation at that club for them the rest of the year,” he added.

Those who attended also got a chance to practice with the pros. Alongside them was none other than Olympic athlete and four-time world champion speed skater William Dandjinou.

“My dad came here from the Ivory Coast when he was 20 years old and didn’t know how to skate. And so for him, it was super important that I, his son, learned from a super early age,” Dandjinou told CTV.

“Skating is basically the best way I know how to integrate myself. It’s been with me for all my life and so to me, today is all about giving back,” he added.

Organizers say there’s more to come.

“It’s our first [event] in Montreal with speed skating. We hope we’re going to do every winter, other activities with them and other sports activities too,” Bell director of brand sponsorships Jean-Philippe Fortier said.

The effort also involves a donation of 40 pairs of skates to Speed Skating Quebec, to support sport integration programs.