10 December 2025 News Releases
(LtoR): Coach Holly Baril, Northern Skating Academy Director of Special Olympics Programming, Ryleigh Valcourt (skater), Dr. Bela Ravi and Dr. Kevin McCormick of Huntington University, and Cohen Catt (skater) | December 7, 2025 | Centennial Arena
(GREATER SUDURY, ON) – This year Huntington University is hitting the ice, with purpose, to highlight a tradition that has been part of the institution’s festive celebrations for nearly two full decades.
2025 marks the18th year that Huntington University has celebrated the Christmas season by offering a community gift in support of a local not-for-profit organization doing amazing work in the Greater Sudbury community.
“We usually present our festive donation in front of our Huntington University Christmas tree, but this year our team wanted to get out and see what these athletes can do! We are thrilled in 2025 to support Sudbury’s only Special Olympics Learn to Skate Program,” said Dr. Mary-Liz Warwick, Chair of the Huntington University Board of Regents.
“This is an amazing and inclusive local initiative, supported by many volunteers, who are all dedicated to seeing children and youth with special needs getting on the ice,” said Dr. Bela Ravi, Chancellor of Huntington University. “Everyone should have the opportunity to be a part of a team or sport. The Special Olympics Learn to Skate program is offering these children and youth the chance to have fun and build confidence, develop their technical skills on the ice, while participating in an activity with peers that promotes social inclusion and physical fitness.”
“On behalf of our organization I would like to sincerely thank Huntington University for this generous donation in support of our Special Olympics Learn to Skate Program,” said Coach Holly Baril, Northern Skating Academy Director of Special Olympics Programming. “The program started in 2019 with a small group, and has been growing ever since. This season we have welcomed almost 20 athletes, of all ages and skill levels, to our program and are expecting to see several of our skaters participating in competitions in the new year. All of our athletes have sharpened their capabilities on the ice since we kicked of lessons in October, and it’s always inspiring for me to see how every skater develops through the season.”
The Special Olympics Learn to Skate Program, the only one of its kind in the Greater Sudbury community, is delivered by Northern Skating Academy and aims to offer sessions for skaters with intellectual disabilities so that they may enjoy the sport of skating in a supportive and encouraging environment. The local program, taught out of Centennial Arena in Hanmer, is designed as a modified Skate Canada CanSkate Learn to Skate program. The modifications reduce environmental stimulation while allowing skaters to move freely through a circuit at their own pace. Each athlete also receives support from coaches and program assistants, as needed. In addition, skaters have the opportunity to compete with figure skating solos at various Skate Ontario competitions and events. On January 30 &31, 2026, five skaters from the Special Olympics skating program will be participating in a competition being held in Temiskaming Shores.
“There is a special community here, supported by a whole team of devoted volunteers and dedicated parents who aim to give youth with intellectual disabilities a place to belong and have fun with peers,” said Dr. Kevin McCormick of Huntington University. “And while that’s phenomenal in and of itself, the program can’t thrive and grow on volunteer and parent support alone. Ice time is a crucial component, however it’s also a significant expense. During this season of giving, I encourage individuals and businesses to learn more about the Special Olympics Learn to Skate Program and consider making a donation or sponsoring the program to support this amazing local initiative for Special Olympic skaters in our community.”
Athletes who would like to join the Special Olympics Sudbury Learn to Skate Program can find more information online through the Northern Skating Academy website.
Donors and corporate sponsors wishing to support the program can do so with an online donation to Special Olympics Ontario (please indicate that you would like your donation designated to the Sudbury Learn to Skate Program).