Free public skating session sponsored by GFESS ‘busy and beautiful’

A free public skating session on Friday was an opportunity for families to take a break from their presents and all the sweets sitting around the house.

Hundreds of skaters from various age groups and skill levels could be found on the Jaycee Rink at the Leisureplex for a session sponsored by Greater Fort Erie Secondary School (GFESS).

Dave Adamek, a physical education teacher, brought his sons Jack, 6, and Benny, 4, out to take a few laps.

Benny is “still getting there” with his skating skills through a local hockey program for beginners, while Jack has graduated to minor hockey, playing in games with an active scoreboard.

“He’s just flying around having a great time,” said Adamek, who coaches basketball and track and field at GFESS, about his oldest son.

He was impressed to see so many people enjoying the afternoon.

“This is busy and beautiful,” he said, adding that he wanted to use the public skating session as an opportunity for his kids to get some exercise during the holidays.

Elizabeth Mason, who is currently studying journalism at Carleton University in Ottawa, was home for the holidays and taking a few laps with her family.

“It’s really great to see a lot of people in the community come together,” she reacted to what appeared to be about 200 people laced up at the hour-and-a-half gathering.

Vince Foster, a Grade 12 student at GFESS, said he’s proud to be a Gryphon and see his school making a great outing available for everyone.

He said it’s nice to see diversity at events such as Friday’s.

“It’s really nice they’re doing this for the community,” said Foster, adding the event could be a chance to recruit incoming students.

This isn’t the only free public skating event being held locally during the holiday break.

There will also be a free skate on Monday, December 30 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at the Leisureplex Kinsmen rink provided by the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Committee.

On January 2, also from 2 to 3:30 p.m., GFESS will sponsor a free skate at the Crystal Ridge Arena.

And on Friday, January 3, also at the Jaycee Rink at the Leisureplex, a free skating session is being made possible by the Fort Erie Native Friendship Centre, also taking place from 2 to 3:30 p.m.

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