| Dorothy Hamill conducts an interview at the Figure Skating in Harlem "Skate with the Stars Under the Stars" Event |
(2/15/05) - On the evening of Monday, Feb. 7, New York City's Central Park lit up with U.S. figure skating stars skating under the stars. They weren't competing for a U.S. title, or even performing their latest program; they were supporting Figure Skating in Harlem (FSH), a pioneering not-for-profit organization that provides educational, cultural and athletic opportunities for girls in New York's Harlem community through figure skating.
“The event was a great success,” said Sharon Cohen, founder and executive director of FSH. “We were so glad to have the skating community come out in force to support our program and our girls. The skaters were so generous with their time – skating with guests and future champions alike – all to support a program that is making a real difference to expand the reach and benefit of the sport, as well as the horizons of young girls.”
“Skate with the Stars Under the Stars” raised more than 180,000 for the organization.
Guests who attended the event had the unique opportunity to glide across Trump Wollman Rink with five-time World and nine-time U.S. champion Michelle Kwan, 2002 Olympic bronze medalist Timothy Goebel and many other skating champions. Rather than sit and watch their favorite stars, guests took to the ice right along side them, seeking tips, autographs and unforgettable memories.
“I'm so pleased to be involved with Figure Skating in Harlem because I like how it combines both skating skills and education,” Goebel said. “It's wonderful to see an athletic program put an emphasis on education and offer tutoring services. Skating has given me so many wonderful opportunities, and through my participation in Figure Skating in Harlem I hope to inspire these young ladies to achieve their goals in life.”
Other famous skaters who attended the event were two-time U.S. champion Johnny Weir, two-time U.S. ice dancing silver medalists Melissa Gregory & Denis Petukhov, Surya Bonaly, Viktor Petrenko, Oksana Baiul, Rudy Galindo and Tai Babilonia.
The event included a silent auction that raised more than $16,000. Top selling items included two all-event tickets to the 2006 State Farm U.S. Figure Skating Championships in St. Louis, Mo.; a pair of skates signed “You're Hired” and “You're Fired” by Donald Trump; a skating lesson from Petrenko; and a trip for two to Jamaica.
The 70 FSH skaters got the chance to perform for the large crowd at Wollman Rink. Their three-minute program, a gospel production dubbed “Heaven on Ice,” dazzled the audience, as well as the skating stars.
“Nothing says ‘champion' like the skating stars who graced the ice at Trump Wollman Rink for the gala,” said Isisara Bey, chair of FSH. “What a thrill it was to watch the shining, happy faces of the youngsters – and the young at heart – who experienced a few up-close moments on the ice with their skating heroes. It was a rare and wonderful night, and we're grateful for their support.”
Figure Skating in Harlem provides girls aged 6-16 who live in the Harlem community with an innovative ice skating and educational program designed to build a positive self-image, teamwork, leadership and academic achievement. The girls sign a contract to join the program and are responsible for maintaining a B average in school. The program is divided into three components: on-ice instruction, off-ice education and special events.
On the ice, students practice as a team and receive instruction based on age and skill level. They receive free equipment and skates that they return after the end of the season (October to April). In addition, guest coaches such as Robin Wagner host occasional clinics.
The girls are required to attend weekly academic tutoring, counseling and educational theory classes. Report cards are collected and monitored throughout the season. Girls whose grades slip below a B average receive extra attention to aid their academic development.
In the program's third component, special events, students get to attend field trips to professional ice shows and other cultural events. They also participate in exhibition performances and skating parties for the community.
“Sharon should be extremely proud of the continued success of Figure Skating in Harlem,” said Val Belmonte, executive director of U.S. Figure Skating. “Her program demonstrates the combined power of figure skating and education, and the impact each can have on young people's lives.”
While FSH is supported almost entirely by private donations from individuals, foundations and corporations, parents are asked to make a small tuition payment, which covers 10 percent of the overall costs. Some scholarships are available. For more information please visit www.figureskatinginharlem.org.
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