Newcomers to Canada took their first steps – or strides – on ice at The Forks today.

Around 50 international students from Red River College (RRC)’s Language Training Centres laced up their skates on the Red River Mutual Trail this morning, many of which were doing so for the first time.

Arshdeep Singh and Tanveer Handa came to Canada from India and skating is something that his completely new for them.

They admitted they were struggling, but say the bumps and bruises are worth it if they can improve.  

“It’s hard but actually I like it,” Singh said through laughter. “But when I get back up and don’t want to skate anymore because I get so nervous.”

“When I fall it’s so painful.”

Handa was having a bit more success than Singh on the ice, but also admitted he was having his issues.

“It’s tough because I’ve never done it in my life,” Handa said. “It’s too slippery and every time I go I fall on the ice and it’s painful.”

“But I won’t lose hope. I will try again.”

Ami Tang from China says she also has a great time but would like to keep trying to see if she gets better by the end of the winter.

“It’s really fun and amazing,” Tang said. “I think I should probably practice some more though.”

RRC’S Language Training Centres offer English Language programs and English for Specific Purposes programs for no charge. They focus on helping newcomers develop their English in a way that will further training and employment opportunities.

The cost of the training program is covered by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.

RRC says the training centre’s help more than 1,000 newcomers every year in Winnipeg, and have recently added programs in Arborg, Steinbach, Thompson and Selkirk.