By Paul Harris
The team’s flagship community program completed its fourth-year last week, welcoming another 2,000+ fourth grade students to the Fidelity Bank Worcester Ice Center for Skate to Success. Skate to Success is a nationally acclaimed program and has been recognized by USA Hockey for its success in introducing thousands of students in the City of Worcester to skating and the sport of hockey. Since it’s debut in 2017, the learn to skate initiative has welcomed over 8,000 kids.
The Railers HC transports over 100 students from school each Tuesday to the rink at no cost. Fourth graders are given a pair of skates, a helmet, and a jersey that they get to wear out on the ice and take back home with them. On the ice, they are given instruction and guidance from Railers staff, players, coaches, sponsors, community volunteers, and more. Before they leave, they are given a Railers gift as well as a learn to skate voucher they can redeem for another program. This program promotes physical activity, positive self-esteem, confidence, and hopefully a new love for skating.
“Skate to Success is a vitally important initiative and perfectly aligns with the Railers philosophy of being a community first organization,” said Railers Community Relations Manager, Paul Harris. Railers Chief Operating Officer, Mike Myers adds, “the program means so much to the students of Worcester, many who have never had an opportunity to lace up skates and experience ice skating. We look forward to launching year five of Skate to Success in the fall.”
Worcester Railers HC will provide fifty scholarships to a more extensive Learn to Skate program throughout the school year to students who express great interest in further developing their on-ice skills. To learn more about Skate to Success, click here.
The Worcester Railers HC is proud to be the recipient of the ECHL Community Service Award for three consecutive years (2019-2021). For a full schedule of Railers 2022-23 games, please click here. Full season memberships, mini-plans, and group tickets are on sale now by calling the Railers front office at 508-365-1750 or by visiting railershc.com.
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