Nearly 1,000 students will hit the ice at the U.S. Bank Ice Rink on Fountain Square this winter, thanks to School Skates. First Student, the exclusive provider of school transportation services to Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS), is partnering with CPS, YMCA-led CincyAfterSchool and Cincinnati Center City Development Corporation (3CDC) to give the students an opportunity to participate in one of the city’s most popular holiday attractions.
First Student will provide free round-trip transportation from each of the nine participating schools, ensuring safe and reliable bus service for the students to and from the ice rink. Thanks to 3CDC, students will skate free of charge. The program begins January 6 and runs weekdays through February 10. For many of the student in grades K through 12, this will be their first time on the ice.
“School Skates is a wonderful opportunity to experience the fun, downtown holiday atmosphere,” said Linda Burtwisle, First Student president. “We are very pleased to provide transportation again this season and look forward to helping to create happy memories for each student.”
“Because of transportation issues and lack of financial resources, skating on Ft. Square, an activity that has become a favorite Cincinnati pastime, would not be a possibility for many of the students in our CincyAfterSchool programs. School Skates is a great gift we can give which not only allows youth to have fun, but to gain confidence, to improve their social skills, and to engaged in exercise as well.
Engaging young people in activities where they are growing and thriving academically, socially, and physically is what we are all about. We’re very appreciative of First Student and 3CDC for sharing in our cause,” said Sara Lewis, YMCA director of out-of-school time programs for the Community Services YMCA.