Local program gives underrepresented kids chance to skate on Olympic ice

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. 

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. 

Related: Local Olympians share their thoughts on the return of the Winter Olympics to Salt Lake

“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.  

Olympic Oval 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. They then go over to the Oval in the afternoon to skate.  

Read the full story from KSL TV here.