The Learn To Skate program in Ste. Anne has just had its season finale with many young skaters displaying confidence in their new ability.

The group of youngsters, varying in ages, were taught by two professional coaches. Director and skating coach Carolyn Cameron has won many awards as coach of the year and has many years of skating experience. Andrea Wolgemuth Panelli certified coach and competitive skater has just finished eight years of touring the world with Disney On Ice.

Wolgemuth Panelli says she is originally from Steinbach, but as a young skater competed in almost every town and community, so she is happy to contribute close to home.

She says the eight-week Learn To Skate program introduced the basics of skating. "The kids have a lot of fun, there are a lot of incentives, interactive toys, and they learn a lot o different skills."

Wolgemuth Panelli says the kids went from learning to stand and balance, to moving forward and backward, and then progressed to stopping, gliding, turning and jumping.