Powered by Downtown Detroit Partnership, the event takes place at The Rink at Campus Martius Park presented by Visit Detroit and features live performances on ice, special guest appearances and more
DETROIT –Figure Skating in Detroit (FSD), a nonprofit that combines academics and figure skating for girls ages 6-18, will host Skating with the Stars on March 5, in partnership with Downtown Detroit Partnership at The Rink at Campus Martius Park presented by Visit Detroit.
The annual “Skating with the Stars” event is FSD’s major fundraiser of the year and aims to raise $20,000 to go toward academic programming, field trips, uniforms, equipment and ice time.
Event attendees will have the opportunity to experience live on-ice performances by the girls of FSD, special appearances by Olympic Gold Medalist Meryl Davis, Figure Skating Champion Starr Andrews and Miss Michigan Teen 2020 Aneesa Sheik, along with other special guests. Attendees can also experience music, live performances, hot chocolate, ice skating and more.
“This event is a showcase of our girls who will one day be future leaders in our community, nation and the world.” said Lori Ward, executive director of Figure Skating in Detroit. “With the help of Downtown Detroit Partnership, we are proud to bring ‘Skating with the Stars’ back to our community and celebrate five years of impacting the lives of youth in Detroit.”
FSD is the first and only chapter outside of New York City’s Figure Skating in Harlem, is now in its 5th year and has served a combined 200 girls through its after-school, summer camp and workshop programming. FSD has also garnered national attention. Kameryn Everett, a FSD skating instructor, was profiled in National Geographic’s short-form documentary series, “IMPACT with Gal Gadot.”
“As Michigan’s premier outdoor ice rink and top destination in the region, The Rink at Campus Martius presented by Visit Detroit not only offers one of the most beautiful and iconic skating experiences in the country, but it also serves as a base for dozens of mission-driven community events and campaigns annually, including Figure Skating in Detroit,” said David Cowan, chief public spaces officer, Downtown Detroit Partnership. “Skating with the Stars is an exciting opportunity for the girls to put their performance skills to the test on the same ice rink where the world’s best Olympic and U.S. champion athletes perform and skate annually, as well as inspire others to shoot for the stars.”
Tickets for Skating with the Stars range from $15-$50 and can be purchased online here. During the event, FSD will be honoring Kiko Davis Snoddy for setting the standard for young women of color with the Trailblazer Award. Davis Snoddy is a global entrepreneur, orator, advocate and author, as well as the only Black female bank owner in the U.S. Jerod Swallow, an American ice dancer who won five U.S. national championships, competed in two Olympic Winter Games and is the former managing director at Detroit Skating Club, also will be honored for his lasting legacy in the sport.
About the Downtown Detroit Partnership
Downtown Detroit Partnership (DDP) strengthens and supports Downtown Detroit through strategic initiatives and programs. DDP convenes business, philanthropic and government partners to create a vibrant and resilient urban core for Detroit and the surrounding community. DDP is responsible for programming, managing and operating several of Downtown Detroit’s parks and public spaces. For more information, visit DowntownDetroit.org.
About Figure Skating in Detroit
Figure Skating in Detroit (FSD) is the first and only chapter outside of New York City’s Figure Skating in Harlem. The organization has impacted the lives of hundreds of girls by positioning and nurturing them to be future leaders of our generation through academics and the world-renowned sport of figure skating. Its program serves as a strong foundation for girls of color focusing on confidence, leadership, and academic achievement. FSD’s signature programs include I Can Excel (ICE) After School Program, Summer Dreams Summer Camp, STEAM Career & Leadership Workshop (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics). For more information, visit www.figureskatingindetroit.org.
