Sheffield is set to be gripped by Winter Olympic fever!

The city’s leading ice venue is offering a winter sporting spectacular to celebrate the 2010 Winter Olympics, which kick off in Vancouver on 12 February.

iceSheffield, which is managed by Sheffield International Venues (SIV), is hosting a range of activities encouraging members of the public to get involved in the spirit of the Olympics.

The venue is kicking off its celebrations by hosting free winter sports taster sessions, when visitors can have a go at speed skating, curling, ice hockey, figure skating and ice dancing. The sessions, which are available between 12 and 28 February, are open to everyone BOOK NOW

iceSheffield also offers successful ‘pay and play’ curling sessions, which are held every Monday at 12.15pm. Participants are given a brief training session with a coach, before hitting the ice for a game. 

SIV recently announced a partnership with the English Curling Association to promote the sport in the run up to the Winter Olympics. The venue is looking to take advantage of being one of only two in England to offer curling to the public and is hoping to drive participation in the sport. 

Mandy Janes, general manager at iceSheffield, said: “In celebration of the Winter Olympics we wanted to give members of the public the opportunity to come down to the venue and try something different.

“The Winter Olympics are a fantastic way of increasing interest in these particular sports and we hope offering taster sessions will inspire people to want to have a go. And you never know - we may just find a future Olympic star!”

The successful Skate UK Learn to Skate lessons are also available, teaching beginners of all ages the fundamental movements and basic skills. The sessions, which are taught in group lesson format, are open to all age groups.

Mandy added: “We are in a really strong position during the Winter Olympics when public interest in these sports is raised, particular with curling as we are one of only two venues in the country to offer the sport to members of the public.

“We hope that the buzz around the Olympics will mark the start of another very successful year for iceSheffield.”

As a national Centre for excellence for figure and dance and ice hockey, iceSheffield is one of the best ice sports facilities in the UK catering for both recreational and elite skaters

Based in the Attercliffe area of Sheffield, facilities include two Olympic-sized ice pads (60m x 30m) offering recreational skating for all ages and abilities, Core Bar and Restaurant, Cool Fuel Burger Bar, three conference rooms and a dance studio.

iceSheffield is committed to catering for the interests and aspirations of the whole community, offering a wide range of activities for all types of people from varied backgrounds including schools, community groups, special needs, families, parent and toddler, young persons and wheelchair users.