joy a fun-filled day at the rink. Programs and clubs can host one event or a dozen — that is completely up to them.” Through Nov. 20 (or while supplies last),
visit the NSM page under the “Programs” tab at
usfigureskating.org to register to host an event. For $35, your program will receive an NSM kit that includes posters, a how-to handbook, a media packet with sample press releases and announcements for customiza- tion, raffle items, pencils, balloons, zipper pulls, skating stickers and other great skating souvenirs. In 2015 and for the fifth consecutive
year, the demand for NSM kits set a record, with 554 kits mailed out to participating clubs and programs. More than 520 events
were held in 48 states during 2016 NSM.
Scimeca Knierim and Knierim withdraw from Grand Prix Series
Alexa Scimeca Knierim and Chris Kn-
ierim, the 2015 U.S. pairs champions, an- nounced in late September they had with- drawn from the 2016 Grand Prix Series as Scimeca Knierim recovers from a medical procedure. She underwent the procedure to allevi-
ate a medical problem, and has since been given a clean bill of health. The team has re- sumed light training and hopes to be back on the ice later this year. “Fortunately, I have a tremendous part-
ner, both on and off the ice, along with a wonderful coach and a great team surround- ing me,” Scimeca Knierim said. “After months of uncertainty and concern, it is unbelievably liberating to announce that I have a clean bill of health, along with a renewed sense of faith, focus and fortitude. This experience has been as humbling as it is inspiring, and Chris and I are now hungrier than we’ve ever been.”
Chen, Edmunds skate for cancer care and research “An Evening with Champions” has raised
more than $2.8 million for the Jimmy Fund of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in the past 46 years. Harvard University students orga- nize the show and skaters donate their time; a quiet highlight is the “Kids’ Skate,” in which young cancer patients and survivors, and their families, get the chance to skate with the stars.
“[Dana-Farber’s] commitment to re-
search saved my daughter Sophie’s life when she was diagnosed with leukemia at the age of 2,” Julia Bettengill said. “Forty-five years ago this diagnosis would have been a death sentence, but Sophie was offered the possibility of a cure due to breakthroughs
Polina Edmunds
in research.” Harvard grad Emily Hughes hosted two
shows, Sept. 9 and 10, at Harvard’s Bright Arena. The stars included Nathan Chen, Po- lina Edmunds, Kimmie Meissner, Courtney Hicks, Douglas Razzano, Oleksii Bychenko, Shawn Sawyer, the Haydenettes and Oleg and Ludmila Protopopov. “It’s a very important cause and it’s
something that I think people tend to forget,” Edmunds said. “We get so caught up in our own lives that we forget that there are peo- ple who need help. Doing this fundraiser is special for a lot of people and it’s special to us as well, where we’re using our gifts on the ice for something that actually matters.” Chen appeared to have recovered
completely from the injury he suffered at the 2016 U.S. Championships. He enjoyed spending time at Harvard, which he would like, eventually, to attend. Although he will take next year off of school to focus on qual- ifying for the 2018 Olympics, Chen plans to go to college on a premed track and apply to Harvard Medical School. “I would love to go to Harvard; it would
be a dream,” Chen said. “I feel so honored and lucky to skate here.”
— Sarah S. Brannen
HQ Profile: Brent Diederich I am the coor-
dinator of Giving Programs at U.S. Fig- ure Skating Head- quarters. I manage U.S. Figure Skating’s scholarships and grants, and raise funds for athletes through the Memorial Fund and Friends of Figure Skating. What is your favorite part about your
job (so far)? “Knowing that I am making a difference in the lives of our athletes every day. Our fundraising dollars allow us to help our skaters who need funding to continue their dreams.” What do you like to do in your spare
Gearing up for 2017 National Skating Month
National Skating Month will celebrate
its 16th year in January, with the objectives of encouraging families to get on the ice and promoting skating within communities across the country. “National Skating Month (NSM) is an
opportunity for rinks, member clubs and programs to get people on the ice by offer- ing free lessons, conducting skating demon- strations and promoting their event with local media outlets,” said Brenda Glidewell, U.S. Figure Skating director of membership development. “Through a series of organized on-ice and off-ice activities, everyone can en-
6 NOVEMBER 2016 Nathan Chen
time? “I enjoy traveling, playing sports and woodworking. I’ve also watched “The Office” more times all the way through than anyone ever should.” What would people be surprised to
know about you? “I used to have my own radio show. It was a sports talk show when I lived in Atlanta and I loved it.” What would be your ideal vacation?
“Being able to traverse Europe. I’ve been to several different countries but they all fasci- nate me. I would like to say I’ve been to every country in Europe eventually.” Tell us a little bit about your family. “My mother and father both work for Dis-
ney and live in Orlando. I have a younger sis- ter and brother who both have a great sense of humor and adventure. My dad is originally from Minnesota, so I grew up rooting for every Minnesota sports team (and I still do.) It’s not easy.”
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