Free skating at area rinks in January as part of National Skating Month

CLEVELAND - To celebrate the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in January, U.S. Figure Skating is sponsoring “National Skating Month” in January. National Skating Month is celebrating its 10th season in 2012.

The annual event was created in 2002 to increase awareness of ice skating opportunities for local communities and to encourage folks of all ages to get active and give skating a try.

Over the last 16 years, U.S. Figure Skating has offered programs that provide opportunities for all ages. During the 2001-02 season, U.S. Figure Skating’s Basic Skills Program reached a milestone by registering more than 100,000 members for the first time in the program’s history. Since its inception in 1985, the program has taught more than 2 million people to skate.

Some area rinks are taking part in the festivities by offering free skating sessions and activities to encourage folks to lace up the skates and give it a try.

Brooklyn: "Great to Skate Night"

Hosted by: The city of Brooklyn and the Brooklyn Figure Skating Club

When: Friday, Jan. 20
Where: John M. Coyne Recreation Center, 7600 Memphis Ave, Brooklyn, OH 44144
Time: 4:30- 6:30 p.m.

The Great to Skate Clinic will feature free goodies, giveaways and a skating exhibition from skaters from the Brooklyn Figure Skating Club. Participants can find out how to sign up for skating lessons or come test out their skills on a free skating session from 5:00-6:30 p.m. Regular skate rental fees will apply. Experienced instructors will be on hand to help first time skaters.

For more information, contact: GraceAnn Demarest: U2Skate@wowway.com

 

 

North Canton: "National Skating Day"

When: Saturday, Jan. 21

Where: Center Ice Sports Complex, 8319 Port Jackson Ave NW,
North Canton, Oh 44720

Time: 11 a.m. - 12:50 p.m. Free Open Skate, 1-1:30 p.m. Free mini lessons

For more information, contact: Stephanie Troyer, Skating Director: 330-966-0169
 

 

Cleveland Heights: "Great to Skate Clinic"
Hosted by: The Pavilion Skating Club of Cleveland Heights

When: Monday, Jan. 23
Where: Cleveland Heights Recreation Center, 1 Monticello Blvd., Cleveland Heights, OH 44118
Time: 6 – 7:30 p.m.

The Great to Skate clinic will allow young and old to experience figure skating and learn the basics from a professional instructors. Sign-in and registration will begin promptly at 6 p.m. Skaters will then purchase rental skates if needed. There will be a brief discussion about proper equipment, explaining skates, what to look for, how to lace, proper fit etc. Skaters will be placed into groups according to skating ability and past experience.

On-ice lessons will be held from 6:30 to 7 p.m. with experienced instructors. Once lessons have concluded each skater is invited to remain on the ice for an open skate in which the instructors will also remain on the ice for some “fun time.”

For more information, please contact Karen Salomone at cluboffice@pavilionfsc.com

U.S. Figure Skating is the national governing body for the sport of figure skating in the United States as recognized by the United States Olympic Committee and the International Skating Union. U.S. Figure Skating is comprised of more than 680 member clubs, collegiate clubs, and school-affiliated clubs and more than 1,000 registered Basic Skills skating schools representing approximately 180,000 members. U.S. Figure Skating is charged with the development of the sport on all levels within the United States including athletes, officials, sanctioning of events and exhibitions, and establishing the rules and guidelines by which the sport is governed.

For more information on ice skating in greater Cleveland, visit: clevelandskating.com .