PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 16, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Since its opening twelve years ago, community service has always been an integral component of Penn's Landing Corporation's Blue Cross RiverRink. Highlighting Penn's Landing's outreach efforts is the "Good Skates" Program which provides free intensive instructional skating lessons for urban school children in the School District in Philadelphia. In fact, "Good Skates" has been credited by the physical education department as one of the best extracurricular athletic programs ever provided to the School District of Philadelphia.
Located on Philadelphia's waterfront, at a new location this season, Columbus Boulevard at Market Street, the Blue Cross RiverRink will host over 500 middle school students (250 per session) in the "Good Skates" program. It has become so popular that the School District developed a lottery system to select schools. Each school completes an application submitted to Margorie Wuestner, Administrator-Health, Safety, and Physical Education for the School District of Philadelphia. Those schools selected receive free enrollment in the four-week "Good Skates" program, which includes 1/2 hour skating lesson with professional instruction and one-hour practice time and free skating. Six classes averaging around 40 kids participate in each of the four-week sessions. Transportation is provided by the School District and skate rentals are included. The schools attend on Tuesday, and Thursday mornings from 9:45-11:30 a.m.
"We are very proud to provide such a great opportunity for students in the Philadelphia schools," said Joseph Brooks, acting president of Penn's Landing Corporation. "Not only is it fun and a break from regular school lessons, but is also an excellent opportunity for students to learn a terrific sports activity they can enjoy their entire lives."
The Blue Cross RiverRink will open officially at Noon on Friday, November 25, 2005 with the first public skating session of the season. The Blue Cross RiverRink is celebrating twelve years as Philadelphia's outdoor winter tradition, reminding everyone that ice-skating is a healthy way to enjoy the season.
Independence Blue Cross is the presenting sponsor of the Blue Cross RiverRink. Other supporters include: Lukoil, NBC 10, and the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation.
The Blue Cross RiverRink at Penn's Landing has moved south to a new location for the 2005-2006 season, Columbus Boulevard at Market Street. For more information on skating sessions, ice skating lessons, birthday parties or private receptions, please call 215.925.RINK or visit www.riverrink.com.
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The Blue Cross RiverRink logo is available at: http://media.primezone.com/prs/single/?pkgid=354