Synchronized skating during the pandemic grabbed the spotlight on the “Today” show on Saturday morning, March 20, with a segment featuring CP Ice from Bryant Park in New York City.
CP Ice is a synchronized skating program out of the Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers, representing the Skating Club of New York.
Several of the team’s skaters spoke to the importance of being part of a team and the sisterhood that makes everyone feel welcomed and appreciated, especially during this health crisis. Most of the synchronized skating teams around the country have had to work together virtually or in a restricted capacity for more than a year.
"It’s the best thing ever to be on the ice with your friends,” one skater said. “I’ve never felt closer to anyone than I do to the members of this team,” another said. Yet another talked about how synchronized skating was her sole outlet when schools were closed this year.
“Today” reporter Ron Allen, who has a daughter on CP ice, hosted the segment. He spoke to the virtues of synchronized skating, and to being a skating dad.
Their coach, Ashley Walker Green, emphasized the importance of life lessons.
“What we want them to take with them is the importance of working together, the importance of building together, because I think that sticking with something is really important,” Green said.
New York City physician Dr. Linda Kirschenbaum, who has a daughter on the team, mentioned the social isolation and loss of routine and consistency that the pandemic has brought to children, and how team sports are important in order for them to have interaction and a sense of community.
“Even before COVID, this has been a really great thing and it’s even better now that I get to see these great people and have a lot of fun,” Allen’s daughter said.
Watch the video below.
