Several St. Luke’s hockey players, a synchronized skater, and even a hockey mom have volunteered their time with
Ice Skating for Everyone. ISFE is a local nonprofit that provides underserved children in Norwalk and Stamford with free skating lessons and equipment through its Learn to Skate Program. Founded by Emily Kelting, ISFE’s goal is to teach young children skating skills and how to have fun on the ice
.
Ben Ansaldi ‘23, Teddy Ansaldi ‘25, Max Budnick ‘23, George Foster ‘23, Matt Riccardi ‘23, Sylvia Samardzija ‘24, and Alex Young ‘24 serve as teen mentors for the program. In their role as mentors, they pair up with children, who they help fit with helmets and skates before taking them on the ice for one-on-one lessons.
As Kelting shared, “The goal of Ice Skating for Everyone is to teach young children skating skills and how to have fun out on the ice. Yet, this is very much a two-way street, with the mentors becoming friends with the children and their families in an easy, natural way. It really is life-changing on both sides.”
In preparation for the program’s post-pandemic relaunch in February, ISFE board member and St. Luke's parent Tracey Riccardi and her son Matt (a teen mentor) organized and inventoried equipment for the children in the program. Ben and Teddy Ansaldi, who are also mentors, were a tremendous help as well.
ISFE had a successful winter program, with 17 first and second graders learning to skate. The spring program is in full swing at the Sono Ice House and Darien Ice House.
If you want to learn more about ISFE or are interested in volunteering as a mentor, please visit their
website or
Facebook page.