Unity Ice Academy

Unity Ice Academy's mission is to provide free access to and free coaching in ice skating for low-income children in Los Angeles who cannot afford it. Last summer, we completed our first ice skating summer camp and had 51 enthusiastic boys and girls between ages 5 and 12 complete the program. The entire month of ice-skating lessons was free for all of our participants, and they each received free gear, including a fleece jacket, hats, headbands, gloves, and tee shirts. The kids not only learned how to ice skate well enough to perform a recital for their family, friends, and our community, but they also went through a month-long character and confidence-building off-ice curriculum that helped them understand and implement lessons like determination, resilience, preparation, leadership, and communication, to name a few. We also exposed the kids to some of the greats and history-makers in the world of ice skating. We had guest speakers/skaters like Tai Babilonia, Atoy Wilson, Starr Andrews, Kaitlyn Saunders, Alexa Gasparotto, members of Culver Ice Productions, and many more! Our guest speakers/skaters talked about their experiences overcoming challenges in ice skating, talked about inspiring moments, and answered any questions our campers may have had.
We are currently preparing for our second annual summer camp that will take place at The Rinks-Lakewood this July! In addition, these kids from at-risk neighborhoods will spend the summer in a safe environment, focused on personal growth and development instead of other activities.

Testimonials

From a parent: "You've created an amazing program and filled it with the kindest, most patient, encouraging, inclusive, and fun people. You created a safe, creative space for our kids to be themselves, challenge themselves, and celebrate themselves and each other. The kids have thrived in this beautiful community. They thrived because it's fun, positive, empowering, and affirming. As a Filipina mother, I want my kids and all kids who have historically not seen themselves reflected in books, TV, movies, careers, sports, etc., to be around people who represent them. I want them to see strong people of color, strong brown and black women who are happy, healthy, and doing what they dream."