‘ALL SMILES’ SKATEFESTS RECEIVE RAVE REVIEWS
U.S. Figure Skating teamed up with Disson Skating to host four SkateFests in November and December. SkateFests generate excite- ment about skating in the local area, encourage people of all ages to participate in free lessons, off er the chance to meet elite and ce- lebrity skaters, allow participants to take home U.S. Figure Skating souvenirs and provide information on how to get involved with lo- cal skating programs. T e SkateFests are held in conjunction with the Disson Skating shows, with members of the cast stopping by to skate with and meet the locals. More than 600 skaters participat- ed at the four events. “We have conducted more than two dozen SkateFests over the years, and each time, the participants leave with smiles and a desire to return to the rink for additional skating oppor- tunities,” said Susi Wehrli-McLaughlin, senior director of member- ship at U.S. Figure Skating.
NEW JERSEY
Despite a major snowstorm and bitter temperatures, the atmosphere inside the Ice Vault Arena in Wayne, N.J., was warm and welcoming. There, the public was treated to a rare experience as it got to see many of the U.S., Olympic and World champions up close during their preparation for the “P&G & Walmart Tribute to American Legends of the Ice.” “Looking forward to watching them,” an adult enthused. “Now we’ll see some edges.” “Our young skaters got to see the work ethic of Brian Boitano, the beauty of Rosalynn Sumners, the energy of Nancy Kerrigan and many other greats,” Ice Vault’s Karen Cohen-Prosnitz said. “After the Olympians fi nished practicing, we held SkateFest classes divided by level. It was thrilling when eight diff erent national champions visited, observed and even off ered some tips to skaters in each of the classes. For the coaches, it was special to share the ice with these people who help make skating so exciting.”
U.S. ladies champion Ashley Wagner meets one of her many fans during the SkateFest.
U.S. ice dancer Madison Chock gives a prize out during the SkateFest prior to the “P&G & Walmart Tribute to American Legends of the Ice.”
U.S. Figure Skating’s mascot, Snowplow Sam, is greeted by some enthusiastic children.
Olympic champion Ilia Kulik hangs out with a group of guys who won tickets during the SkateFest to the Disson Skating special in Jacksonville, Fla.
FLORIDA
Skaters from Atlanta; Charlotte, N.C.; and Miami fl ocked to the Jacksonville Ice and Sportsplex for the SkateFest, which was held in conjunction with the Disson Skating show titled “Pandora Unforgettable Holiday Moments on Ice.” Young and old took to the ice with fi gure skating royalty, including six- time U.S. champion Todd Eldredge, Olympic champion Ilia Kulik and three-time U.S. tit- list Michael Weiss. World champion Kimmie Meissner and Olympic champion Brian Boi- tano welcomed visitors before visiting the lo- cal children’s hospital. The Excellence on Ice coaching staff of Jacksonville Ice Sportsplex instructed at the SkateFest and were joined by Olympian Mark Ladwig. “Many people put on a pair of skates for the fi rst time and all were thrilled by the event that culminated in a fun and interactive skating exhibition,” Mark Scheff , fi gure skating director at Jack- sonville Ice and Sportsplex, said.
24 FEBRUARY 2014
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