Many students at Hillcrest School have put on skates for the first time recently.
Hillcrest was one of the schools from across the country which had their application selected to take part in RBC's Learn to Skate program.
The program saw Hillcrest receive skates and helmets from RBC valued at about $10,000 so local students could take skating lessons.
A total of 36 kids in Grades 3 and 4 took part. Hillcrest principal David Gillingham said "very few of them" had put on skates before, and only three had played organized sports that involve skating.
"It's exciting to see the development of the students' skills and it's a confidence builder," said Gillingham. "They're fairly quick studies and learning lots of great new skills. There's a lot of enthusiasm."
The lessons, held on three consecutive Wednesdays, are held at Affinity Place, where the kids receive instruction from members of the Estevan Bruins.
The students are divided into two groups and each group goes out for 45 minutes to an hour.
Gillingham said having several Bruins on the ice allows them to work more closely with the students and give individual instruction.
The final lesson is being held today at the Civic Auditorium. RBC is treating the students to pizza before their skate. The students will receive skating certificates and RBC will present the school with a banner.
Gillingham said the results of the lessons have been satisfying.
"The feedback from the teachers has been that the kids are working really hard. They are quite confident. They're zipping around the ice like they're old hands, a lot of them. They've learned quickly."
He added he's grateful to RBC and the Bruins for their help in running the program.
"This is a great opportunity for the kids. It's been a rewarding experience for us to take part in the program. We appreciate their work in running and organizing it.
"We share their enthusiasm for getting the kids to enjoy the sport for life."
In a press release, Estevan RBC branch manager Jeff Borden said the aim of the program is to make a difference across the country.
"Recognizing the lifelong lessons gained through sport, RBC wants to introduce kids to skating, giving them the opportunity to skate for fun, play hockey or figure skate," Borden said.
"By putting our focus on school-based learn-to-skate programs and improving access to community hockey, our goal is to help build a nation of skaters."
The Learn to Skate program is part of the RBC Believe in Kids Pledge, a five-year, $100 million commitment to improve the well-being of one million children and youth in Canada.
