Michelle Quigg had never skated much until she found the Red Deer Senior Skater Program.
“I started with this group (eight or nine years ago) for about a season, but dropped out because I have grandchildren and I was busy with them,” the 73-year-old said during a skate at Servus Arena this past Thursday.
Quigg was able to rejoin the group of about 35 skaters this year. The program offers skating opportunities to people over 55 years old every weekday at a few different rinks across the city.
“I keep telling friends about it, but I know a lot of people are very nervous skating if they don’t have a history in it. I think the key is to wear the protective stuff,” said Quigg.
Quigg said the group of skaters have been “really supportive” as well, especially Joyce Smela.
Smela, 88, said: “I taught skating for 15 years, then I didn’t skate for 40 years, then I started again when I was 70.
“I love to skate. I don’t care if it’s outside or inside. I love the friendship that comes with it. Everybody (in the Seniors Skating Program group) is fun. If I fell down, everybody would be picking me up.”
Rob Frayn, 77, has been skating since he was a young child. He discovered the Senior Skater Program about seven years ago.
“I had a heart attack in 2014, so I can come out here for cardio. It feels good to get out and razzle dazzle on the ice a little bit,” Frayn said, adding the comradery is one of his favourite parts about the group.
Bob Patterson, a co-ordinator with the Senior Skater Program, said there is “a wonderful network of people” who come out to the skates.
“A lot of them played hockey at one time and don’t play hockey now, so they find a good skate keeps the legs feeling good and keeps you healthy,” said Patterson.
“Some of the ladies are former figure skaters or figure skater teachers. For others it’s just a get-together - it’s like going for coffee, but you get a bit of exercise.”
Patterson also praised city workers at the arenas.
“The guys and gals in the rink seem to bend over backwards for us. The ice is always good. They’ll keep me posted if there’s a tournament or something so I can tell the skaters. They’re right on top of it,” he said.
The Senior Skaters Program schedule:
- Monday at the Collicutt Centre from 10:15-11:15 a.m.
- Tuesday at Kinsmen Arena B from 2-3:30 p.m.
- Wednesday at Servus Arena from 2-3:30 p.m.
- Thursday at Servus Arena from 2-3:30 p.m.
- Friday at Kinsmen Arena A from 2-3:30 p.m.
Passes for the program can be purchased at the Collicutt Centre or the Recreation Centre. For more information, contact Bob Patterson at 403-385-4262.