The West Ferris Ringette Association kick-off event for the 2018-2019 season is happening Saturday afternoon at the Pete Palangio area. The annual “Come Try Ringette for Free” event is a great opportunity for those new to the sport to come out and give it a try.
The event is from 1 to 3 pm, with registration opening at 12:30.
A new initiative this year is the introduction of a $99 fee for first-year players. The intent of the reduced rate is to make the sport accessible to all children and to let families avoid having to pay a large entry fee before the child has been able to actually experience the game (and fall in love with it, as most kids do when they start playing). The WFRA also has an equipment loan program, so decisions about whether and what equipment to buy can be put off until the player commits to the sport.
“We really are a family-friendly organization," explained House League director Meaghan Spykerman.
“We regularly work with parents to make player lineups and the game schedule work for families, especially when they have more than one child playing.”
The West Ferris Ringette Association joins dozens of ringette associations across Canada who host "Come Try Ringette" events each fall. Players are required to have a pair of skates and a helmet, but no other equipment is needed for this free fun event.
The sport of ringette was invented in North Bay in 1963 by Parks and Rec director Sam Jacks and there are now over 30,000 players across Canada.
Special features of the game include a fair play rule that means every player gets equal ice time and passing rules that make team play essential, with players having to pass the ring up the ice as a team effort. The West Ferris Ringette Association offers a number of programs, including a Learn to Skate (and play Ringette!) program for young players, special goalie programs at all ages, programs and play from JK to adult, recreational and competitive teams, and a warm welcome for new players of all ages. Young players transition from Learn-to-Skate to playing on a house team.
There are several options for registration and payment for the upcoming 2018-2019 season, including registering online, through Skaters North Source for Sports on Fisher Street, or by mail. An installment payment plan is also available. For families who may need financial assistance, both KidSport North Bay and Jumpstart provides families with a financial assistance to get kids involved in a sport.
For more information visit www.westferrisringette.ca or find WFRA on facebook or telephone 705-497-4856.
