OLYMPICS

Local program gives underrepresented kids chance to skate on Olympic ice

Jul 24, 2024, 5:30 PM | Updated: 5:41 pm

KEARNS A local program that started in 2017 is helping get kids involved in winter sports.

And not only that they get to skate on the same ice as Olympians.

“They love it; we keep coming back. My youngest says ice skating is her favorite part of the day. She’s like, ‘I love that it’s cold inside and it’s hot outside,'” said Maria McCurdy, who has two daughters in the program this summer. 


More: Exclusive news, stories and highlights from the Paris Olympics on KSL TV and KSL Sports.


It’s all part of a summer sports camp program through Kearns Rec Center and the Utah Olympic Oval, which gives kids a chance to stay active during the summer months at a discounted price – thanks to grants from donors. 

“We want to reach out to the kids that are underrepresented and give them opportunities that they might not normally have,” said Jennifer Howland, Utah Olympic Oval community outreach coordinator.  

Program growing in popularity

Howland said the program’s popularity has only grown over the years.

“We started with only 750 kids signing up, and now we’re up to 3,300,” she said.  

As part of the program, kids ages 5 to 10 participate in activities like swimming in the morning, and then go over to the Oval in the afternoon to skate.  

“It’s awesome for them to come to the Oval every day like an Olympic venue. They’ve skated on the same ice as Olympians and maybe the Olympians will skate here again one day, and that’s really cool for them,” McCurdy said.  

Like those Olympians, these young skaters are learning persistence. 

“It’s good for all the kids to bond and learn stuff together,” said Cari Young, whose daughter has been doing the camp for several years.  

Recently, the kids even had the chance to show their parents what they’ve practiced, performing choreographed routines on the ice.  

“I think it’s really important when they’re younger, like as they’re learning something to be able to showcase because it’s kind of like, ‘Look what I’ve been doing.’ And it’s really a confident booster for the kids,” Young said.  

Howland, a figure skater herself, hopes the program instills in these kids a love of the ice. 

“We make sure they know that they have opportunities to continue their skating,” she said. 

The program runs June through August. You can find more information on UtahOlympicLegacy.org or on the Kearns Rec Center website. 

 

KSL 5 TV Live

Olympics

The Olympic rings at the Utah Olympic Park...

Will Graves National Writer, AP

Trump administration plans to pressure the IOC for a uniform transgender athlete ban

President Donald Trump is ready to take his fight against transgender athletes to the International Olympic Committee.

1 day ago

A group of disabled Marines spent part of this week skiing and snowboarding while bonding off the m...

Mike Anderson

Nonprofit helps disabled Marines through skiing and camaraderie

Through Semper Fi & America's Fund, injured Marines like Annika Hutsler and Marine trainers like Jon Lujan can work toward new goals.

21 days ago

A delegation from the 2030 French Alps Olympic Games will visit Utah in the upcoming days to gain i...

Shara Park

French Alps 2030 Winter Olympic and Paralympic delegation visits Utah

A delegation from the 2030 French Alps Olympic Games is visiting Utah in the upcoming days to gain insight on hosting a successful Games.

28 days ago

International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach looks around the area near the Hoberman Arch ...

Lisa Riley Roche, Deseret News

Why the New York Times says Utah still could lose the 2034 Winter Games

A Tuesday New York Times story suggests Salt Lake City could lose the 2034 Winter Games over the issue of international doping.

1 month ago

Annika Hutsler's dream is to become a Paralympian and represent the United States once again as an ...

Alex Cabrero

Marine veteran moves to Utah to chase dreams of U.S. Ski Team

On any given day, you can find people at Liberty Park in Salt Lake City working to stay in shape. Annika Hutsler is one of them.

2 months ago

A display of the Olympic rings is set up on Trocadero plaza that overlooks the Eiffel Tower, after ...

Martha Bellisle, Associated Press

US Olympic and Paralympic officials put coach on leave after AP reports sexual abuse allegations

The U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee has placed an employee on administrative leave after The Associated Press reported that one of its coaches was accused of sexually abusing a young biathlete.

2 months ago

Sponsored Articles

holiday gift basket with blue tissue paper and gingerbread cookies...

Kneaders Bakery & Cafe

Holiday hacks for a stress-free season

Get more out of your time with family and loved ones over the holidays by following these tips for a stress-free season.

2 computer techs in a computer shop holding up a computer server with the "hang loose" sign...

PC Laptops

A comprehensive guide to choosing the right computer

With these tips, choosing the right computer that fits your needs and your budget will be easier than ever.

crowds of people in a German style Christmas market...

This Is The Place Heritage Park

Celebrate Christkindlmarket at This Is The Place Heritage Park!

The Christkindlmarket is an annual holiday celebration influenced by German traditions and generous giving.

Image of pretty woman walking in snowy mountains. Portrait of female wearing warm winter earmuff, r...

Lighting Design

Brighten your mood this winter with these lighting tricks

Read our lighting tips on how to brighten your mood in the winter if you are experiencing seasonal affective disorder.

A kitchen with a washer and dryer and a refrigerator...

Appliance Man

Appliance Man: a trusted name in Utah’s home appliance industry

Despite many recent closures of local appliance stores, Appliance Man remains Utah's trusted home appliance business and is here to stay.

abstract vector digital social network technology background...

Les Olson

Protecting yourself against social engineering attacks

Learn more about the common types of social engineering to protect your online or offline assets from an attack.

Local program gives underrepresented kids chance to skate on Olympic ice