On Saturday, February 24, Crown Point Athletics hosted their annual learn to skate progam’s showcase. This year’s theme of “Rock ‘n’ Roll on Ice” featured skaters of all levels performing what they have learned throughout the program. The skaters’ performances were set to classic rock hits such as “Another One Bites the Dust”. At the conclusion of the showcase, all this year’s students came together to show the skills they had gained through their participation in the program. The finale featured a group performance to the rock hit “Thunderstruck”.
The participants of this year’s learn to skate program were led and instructed by Sara Rhoades and company. The program welcomes participants of all ages and levels of experience in ice skating.
“It's never too late to start skating. We have classes for three to five year olds, all the way up through adults. This is definitely something everybody can jump in on and get involved with,” Rhoades said.
The program has a group of dedicated individuals who have a passion for ice skating and seeing others acquire their own enjoyment of the sport.
“My sister helps me coach, along with my neighbor Mike, and we have some other Crown Point hockey team kids that help out as extra hands on the ice,” Rhoades said.
In addition to the participants in the program, the showcase included skaters with a higher level of experience in order to give the participants a goal in continuing to develop their skill set.
“We have some guest skaters from different rinks come in to show what more figure skating can bring other than just our beginner program here, but seeing the kids is the best thing about today,” said Rhoades. “Watching them get it, understand it, and get recognized for doing something that is not easy.”
Rhoades’ passion for ice skating circles back all the way to her childhood. This hobby assisted her in developing the lessons used during the learn to skate program.
“I love skating. My grandparents met on a pond while skating. It's my fun little passion that I like to do,” said Rhoades.
Since 2021, Crown Point Athletics has offered the learn to skate program. They currently offer two sessions during the skating season. Instructor Rhoades along with the participants and other volunteers look to continue the program for many years to come.
For more information on the 2024-25 learn to skate program visit: www.crownpoint.in.gov.