Figure skating builds confidence and self-esteem in participants. They fall. They get up.

And they learn the importance of never giving up.

The process is reminiscent of our city’s story and resounding resilience.  So it’s little wonder that Figure Skating Harlem (FSH) chose Detroit as the first city to expand its academic, figure skating and leadership program.

Focused on girls of color, the newly announced Figure Skating Detroit will combine the life-transforming power of education with access to the artistic discipline of movement on ice.

Yes, the more than 300 Detroit girls, ages 6 to 15, invited to participate in classes will learn to do an “axel,” “camel spin,” Lutz, Biellmann and Salchow. But the experience will teach them more than mere flourishes. It will instill the kind of attitude it takes to overcome obstacles and spark interest in FSD’s comprehensive academics and education, emphasizing STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) curriculum, health resources, entrepreneurship, leadership and social skills training, and instruction on critical thinking and problem-solving.

The approach works, according to FSH, which reports that 100 percent of its high school seniors graduate and go on to college.

“Having proved that our powerful trifecta of skating, education and leadership positively impacts girls’ lives, we are so thrilled to be expanding this innovative youth development model to a great city like Detroit,” says Sharon Cohen, FSH founder and CEO.

The young women will attend special community workshops, summer camps, skating shows, special events and ICE (I Can Excel),  a signature after-school program where they will receive four-to-six afternoons weekly of skating instruction, conditioning and educational services at the Jack Adams Ice Arena. The facility is located at the Adams Butzel Complex in northwest Detroit.

Figure Skating Detroit also plans to use the ice rinks and facilities at Campus Martius and the Detroit Skating Club in Bloomfield Township.  When it’s complete the program also plans to utilize the new Little Caesars Arena.

“Figure Skating in Detroit is designed to help young girls build a foundation on ice. Figure Skate Detroit is a place and a program where young women can realize their full potential through access to information, resources and experiences that may otherwise be out of reach,” says Geneva Williams, Detroit program leader. “This is a youth development opportunity for Detroit’s young women, wrapped around the fun, artistry and discipline of figure skating.”

Those interested in participating must be Detroit residents. Before acceptance the girls and their parent or guardian will be interviewed to make sure they can fulfill the time requirements and rigorous schedule. Once accepted each girl and her parent must sign a contract outlining their expectations and commitment.

Girls who participate sign a “skater’s contract” and are responsible for maintaining at least a B+ average in school.

Developed in partnership with the Michigan Women’s Foundation (MWF), Figure Skating Detroit will provide all girls with skates, blade covers, bags, warm-up suits, sweatshirts and show costumes.

“The introduction of figure skating in Detroit is a huge win for Detroit girls. And when Detroit’s young people win, the entire community and region reap the benefits,” says Carolyn Cassin, president and CEO of MWF. “These young women will have what it takes to go far, whether it’s in the classroom, boardroom or ice rink.”

To find out more visit the Detroit section

ABOUT THE FSD CHAMPIONS COMMITTEE

Figure Skate Detroit Champions Committee co-chairs are Denise Ilitch, president of Ilitch Enterprises; Alissandra Aronow, international competitive ice skater; figure skating Olympic Gold medalists Meryl Davis and Charlie White, and Peg Tallet, chief community engagement officer for Michigan Women’s Foundation.

The advisory council includes: Dr. Akosua Barthwell Evans, founder and CEO of The Barthwell Group, who serves as chair, and vice-chairs Jerod Swallow, former Olympian and managing director of Detroit Skating Club, and Ellen Hill Zeringue, Detroit Tigers vice president of marketing. The Detroit Department of Parks and Recreation is a strategic partner.

Corporations and other potential partners and sponsors interested in supporting Figure Skate Detroit and its mission are asked to contact Geneva Williams at gwilliams@miwf.org or gwilliams@figureskatingindetroit.org or 313-962-1920.

  Adams Butzel Complex, Carolyn Cassin, Detroit Parks and Recreation, Figure Skating Detroit, Figure Skating Harlem, Geneva Williams, Michigan Women’s Foundation, Sharon Cohen