The Response

Figure Skating in Harlem (FSH) reached its milestone 10th anniversary in 2007. We are the first, and continue to be the only, education and ice skating program of its kind in the country. Our foundation supporters recognize FSH as a model program in the field of youth development, and FSH enjoys the support of the United States Figure Skating Association, Stars on Ice, and numerous World and Olympic medalists. Olympians such as Scott Hamilton, Sarah Hughes, Dorothy Hamill, Evan Lysacek, Tanith Belbin, Surya Bonaly and Timothy Goebel have visited FSH to speak and work with our students. All recognize the value in our unique mission to use figure skating in a new way - combined with solid educational support to build champions in life.

Clearly, the benefits to girls who participate in FSH are numerous. They are in a structured, nurturing, outdoor environment where they are learning skills that require hard work, physical coordination, mental concentration, focus, and creativity and that foster a sense of self-worthand accomplishment when mastered. Each child receives individual attention and becomes part of a team.

Through participation on and off the ice, girls develop basic competencies that will help them lead a healthy adult life. The evidence follows: our students have demonstrated higher grades in school, better attitudes, greater physical coordination, improved concentration, and most important, they have reported increased feelings of personal accomplishment and self-worth. This is perhaps why the vast majority of our students keep coming back year after year.

What is next for Figure Skating in Harlem?