L E T T E R F R O M T H E E D I T O R
National Skating Month hits new heights It’s pretty amazing, when you think about
it: Since its inception in 2002, the number of rinks and clubs that participate in National Skating Month has more than quadrupled. In that fi rst year, 110 “NSM” kits were mailed
to help clubs encourage people of all ages to simply put on a pair of skates and hit the ice. This year, more than 470 kits were sent, shatter- ing last year’s record. “People realize that this is a special oppor-
tunity to promote skating, and it’s so easy to do,’ said Susi Wehrli-McLaughlin, senior direc- tor of membership. “It’s fun, high-energy and very rewarding.” NSM, celebrated each January, was de-
signed to increase awareness and promote participation of U.S. Figure Skating programs. Member clubs and Basic Skills programs use it to reach potential new members and introduce them to the joys of fi gure skating in a fun and relaxed environment. As the growing number of NSM participating clubs shows, it works. “When we invite people to come skate with
us, they always have a good time,” Wehrli-Mc- Laughlin said. Participating clubs and rinks each receive an NSM kit, which includes post- ers, postcards and a media packet that off ers marketing suggestions. On the fun side, there’s plenty of giveaways, too, such as U.S. Figure Skating gloves, cinch sacks, pens, stickers and that all-important lip balm that helps keep kids smiling. Open houses, free lessons and games on
the ice also are key elements of a good NSM event. This year, Michael Weiss generously agreed
to act as NSM’s honorary spokesman. Last month, he joined 2012 NSM spokesperson Nancy Kerrigan and fellow skating champi- ons Kimmie Meissner, Ben Agosto and Nicole Bobek at an NSM-themed SkateFest in Renton, Wash. The skating stars, who performed in the “PANDORA Unforgettable Moments of Love on Ice” show produced by Disson Sports and En- tertainment, shared their love of the sport with
U.S. FIGURE SKATING Sponsors
more than 160 skaters. “It was great to see so many young kids get-
ting started in skating,” Weiss said. “I saw kids from toddlers learning to walk on ice, to teen- agers working on their combination spins — all with wide eyes eager to hear what the champi- on skaters had to say.” Weiss, the fi rst male skater to represent
NSM, made it a point to work one-on-one with several boys. “I met one young man who plays hock-
ey seven days a week and fi gure skates a few times a week as well!” Weiss said. “He’s one of the many I saw in Washington who have caught the skating bug.” For Weiss, it’s easy being an ambassador for
the sport. “The benefi ts I received from skating have
far outweighed any medals won on the ice,” he said. “Skating taught me discipline, a strong work ethic and self-confi dence. All of these have helped me be successful in many other areas of my life. Passing this healthy active life- style on to my kids has been an even greater joy.”
As a parent, Weiss also sees the benefi ts
that skating can off er children. “I’ve always been a believer that if your kids
are highly active and healthy, it gives them no time to get into trouble,” said Weiss, who with his wife, Lisa, has a son and a daughter. “They are too busy and take too much pride in them- selves to be tempted by drugs, alcohol or any- thing else that may throw them off . Skating teaches them to deal with setbacks and take pride in their accomplishments. It’s the perfect outlet for kids to express themselves and build their self-confi dence.” Look in the March edition of SKATING for
a story featuring pictures of a variety of NSM events across the country.
U.S. FIGURE SKATING Suppliers
U.S. FIGURE SKATING Licensees
4 FEBRUARY 2013
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