A free "Come Try Ringette" event is coming up this weekend in Okotoks.
It's being hosted by the Foothills Ringette Association at the newly-named Viking Rentals Centre on August 24 from 4:30-5:30 p.m.
The association has been around for about five years, and has been hosting these events for about as long.
Anyone from ages 4-16 is welcome to give it a go, although participants are asked to bring their own skates, helmets, and gloves.
Karen Minchuk, the association's vice president, says all are welcome, regardless of skill level.
"Sometimes we get kids who know how to skate but don't know anything about ringette, and then we have kids that are starting from the very beginning, and that's perfectly fine. Most of the kids in Ringette learn how to skate by playing it. You don't have to know anything or even be a good skater to start, they'll teach you right from the get-go."
These events are non-stop fun, says Minchuk.
"Rather than doing lessons and standing and waiting your turn, they play games, they get you moving. There's lots of support and a lot of teaching through fun things. You don't realize when you're playing freeze tag that that's actually helping you stop and turn and those sort of things, so they pick it up really quickly."
She says the association's coaches and a few older players will be on hand to help teach newcomers, as well as some younger players.
"Last year, they had to limit the amount of current members coming to help because they all wanted to, just because they enjoy it so much. We were like 'Oh, that might be a little too many,' but that's I think, a really good thing, that we actually had to say no to the amount of kids coming to help because you can only use so many, but they all wanted to be a part of it, which is pretty neat."
The kids aren't the only ones excited to help grow the sport.
Minchuk's daughter got her start in the sport at a "Come Try" event back in 2020, and Karen's involvement with the association has grown in the following years.
"It's been incremental. First I was the parent in the stands, the next two seasons I was team manager, and this year I said 'Sure, I'll be vice president!' I think the key is, that everyone wants you to succeed, there's tonnes of help everywhere, and everyone is excited to make it great, and not just only for our own kids, but because we enjoy it too. There's a really fun atmosphere, and it's supportive. It's been a really good experience."
For the upcoming season, they'll have a few teams, including "Active Start" for five and six-year-olds, as well as U10, U12, and U14 teams, with home games played in both Okotoks and High River.
Early bird signup prices will be available to those who attend the event.
Those interested are asked to register ahead of time so that the association has an idea of how many people to expect.
More information, including the link to register, can be seen here.