Rink

ark your calendar for the month of January 2008. Olympians Kimmie Meissner (U.S. Figure Skating) and Scott Gomez (USA Hockey) and three- time Olympic medalist Chad Hedrick (US Speedskating) are encouraging those who have never tried ice skating to take advantage of the free lessons being offered by participating ice skating rinks. "The great thing about National Skating Month is that families can go to any participating rink for free lessons and all sorts of other fun events," said Meissner, the reigning U.S. champion and 2006 World champion. "It's a sport and a pastime for people of all ages, and I encourage everyone to visit their local rinks to see how they can get involved in this wonderful sport." The goal of National Skating Month is to increase awareness and participation in ice skating sports. National Skating Month allows U.S. Figure Skating member clubs and Basic Skills programs to reach out to new members in their community by offering the fundamentals of ice skating from professionally trained instructors across the United States. "I'm delighted and honored to represent speedskating for the National Skating Month celebration," Hedrick said. "National Skating Month is a great opportunity for families to have fun together as well as learn and participate in lifetime ice sports." During the month-long celebration, activities at participating rinks will include free skating, free lessons and clinics, exhibitions, skating demonstrations, hockey games, storytelling, parent education, equipment swaps, fundraising activities, DJ parties at the rink and local celebrity appearances. A complete listing of the National Skating Month events offered throughout the country will be available on U.S. Figure Skating Online at www.usfigureskating.org. "I'm excited to be part of National Skating Month," said Gomez, a current member of the New York Rangers. "It's a great program that seeks to give people of all ages a chance to learn to skate." Many programs will attract new families who may never have tried ice skating. Having an open house and offering free lessons at the local rink will entice them to tie up some skates and give it a try. Promotional kits are available: they include a step-by-step guide to organize your local event, ideas for promotional giveaways and other suggestions to help you run a safe and fun event. All events offered during National Skating Month are sanctioned and insured. For more information, contact Susi Wehrli at swehrli@usfigureskating.org. ★ NGB News 48 R INK MAGAZ INE November/december 2007 The Great January Skate US Figure Skating, USA Hockey and U.S. Speedskating Join to Celebrate National Skating Month M MORE INFO To find more information and an application form to participate, go to http://www.usfigureskating.org/Clubs.asp?id=234 Here is a list of other activities and ideas to make your event fun for everyone: • Free open skating and mini skating lessons learning the basics • Exhibitions of local recreational/competitive skaters • Organized and controlled races • Pick-up hockey games • Fun skills competition • Bring-a-friend open skate • On-ice games and rotating stations • Club informational tables about how to get involved • Raffle, silent auction and door prizes • School promotions • Theme days throughout entire month Chad Hedrick Kimmie Meissner Scott Gomez U.S. SPEEDSKATING, US FIGURE SKATING AND USA HOCKEY

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