Partnership will help grow Canada’s most successful Olympic sport by introducing more children to speed skating
OTTAWA, ONTARIO – An exciting new partnership between Bell and Speed Skating Canada will see the country’s largest communications company support the expansion of Canada’s newest learn to skate program. First & Fast Strides, presented by Bell, will provide youth from coast-to-coast with the skills they need to experience the thrill of racing on ice.
Launched in September 2024, the First & Fast Strides program was created to give Canadians an exciting new option for learning how to skate – or how to skate fast! Coaches use a fun and engaging curriculum to guide participants through a series of benchmark skills across ten program levels, teaching them how to glide, stride, cross-over and eventually race on ice. Skaters earn achievement rewards throughout the program, including pins, stickers and other unique incentives.
As part of the new partnership – which runs until the conclusion of the 2026-27 season – Bell will now assume the role of title sponsor of this program, helping expand its reach and get more kids on ice. In addition to co-branded resources and promotional materials, Bell will also lead a series of on-site activations at clubs participating in First & Fast Strides to celebrate their involvement in the program.
“Bell Canada has a long history of supporting amateur sport across the country and we couldn’t be happier to have them join the Speed Skating Canada family to lead the expansion of our First & Fast Strides program. We have developed an exciting and engaging learn to skate curriculum and this commitment from Bell will help us get more Canadians on the ice, and eventually into long blades. Access to First & Fast Strides across our network of over 150 clubs will grow and diversify our membership base to ensure the continued success of Canada’s most decorated Olympic sport.”Joe Morissette, Chief Executive Officer, Speed Skating Canada
Bell Canada is a long-standing supporter of Olympic and amateur sport across the country. They are a premier national partner of the Canadian Olympic Committee, where they support athletes through various programs such as the Bell Athletes Connect Program, the Canadian Olympic Club presented by Bell.
The company is also a proud partner of the Canadian Paralympic Committee and has recently expanded their sport portfolio to include National Sport Organizations such as Athletics Canada and Swimming Canada, where they are involved with several high-performance, sport development, and event-based initiatives.
“We are incredibly proud to support Speed Skating Canada’s First & Fast Strides program, helping to provide access to the resources required to build speed skating skills and foster a passion for the sport. This program embodies the impact we aim to achieve through our Bell for Better initiatives, and we look forward to seeing the next generation of competitive speed skaters rise.”David Kennedy, Vice President, Brand & Sponsorship, Bell
Speed Skating Canada’s partners provide essential support to the nationwide development of the sport, from grassroots to high performance. To learn more about our sponsors, suppliers and opportunities for collaboration, visit www.speedskating.ca/partners.
About Speed Skating Canada
Speed Skating Canada is the national governing body responsible for the organization, coordination and administration of both short track and long track speed skating in Canada. Founded in 1887, we proudly represent over 15,000 athletes, coaches, officials and volunteers from coast to coast. Our non-profit organization is accountable to our 13 provincial and territorial speed skating organizations (PTSOs) and our national team program. We’re here to rally, inspire and lead the charge for our country’s most successful Olympic sport.
CONTACT
Alain Brouillette
Manager, Marketing and Communications
Speed Skating Canada
communications@speedskating.ca
Tianna Goguen
Media Relations
Bell
media@bell.ca