SFSC Provides Skating Opportunities for Youngsters
By Lauren S., Tan Team

Smiles streamed across the faces of 25 lucky kids selected from the Yerwood School to skate at Stamford Twin Rinks. As their blades touched the ice, some clang to the boards hoping not to fall down and others zoomed away displaying their previous skating experience. Laughs and fun times filled the rinks as the kids and helpers completed several fun activities.

On Tuesday November 7, 2006, the Stamford Twin Rinks hosted a special event where 10 – 14 year olds from the Yerwood Center in Stamford came to skate and have an exciting time with their friends.

Emily Cassella, Director of the Stamford Twin Rinks' Cassella Figure Skating Program said, “This (event) provides an opportunity for children who might not otherwise have the chance, to experience the joy of Figure Skating!”

As Cassella explained, the play went just as planned. V olunteers from the program started off by meeting the person they would skate with for the day. Once all the kids got their skates on, it was time to race onto the ice and have a joyful time! While on the ice, the kids circled up and learned how to do a two foot spin and swizzle back and forth. A conga line even started on the ice. After the kids got cold, the group took a group photo, had snacks, and then they all went home with happy hearts and full bellies.

This community service event benefited two students in 8th grade here at MMS. Lauren and Ashley Snow, two determined and experienced figure skaters, both said that the experience of skating with underprivileged kids really opened their hearts and their eyes to those in need.

“Working with kids and seeing their faces light up as they enter the ice surface is an amazing experience. If I could do it again I would!” says Ashley Snow. This once in a lifetime opportunity doesn't come often and the Snows were happy to help those in need of a little fun in their lives.