Above: Hundreds of people turned out for the free public skating sessions at The Skating Club of Boston and at the famed outdoor Frog Pond.
By Troy Schwindt
Spirited rivals on the ice for more than a century, The Skating Club of New York and The Skating Club of Boston are collaborating to promote skating ahead of the ISU World Figure Skating Championships 2025 in Boston, March 25–30.
The juggernaut organizations — SC of New York has 1,114 members, while SC of Boston touts 1,022 members — celebrated World Ice Skating Day on Dec. 15 in their own unique ways.
The SC of New York, founded in 1863, hosted an exhibition at Chelsea Piers Sky Rink that featured Team USA athletes, those who competed at sectionals and U.S. Pairs and Ice Dance Finals, as well as skaters who medaled at National Showcase, National Solo Dance and ISU adult competitions.
The exhibition was followed by a bagel brunch on Sunset Terrace at Sky Rink.
The SC of Boston, founded in 1912, offered free “try skating” lessons at the Frog Pond and at its home facility in Norwood, Massachusetts. These fun outings were designed for skaters of all ages and abilities to experience the joy of the sport, while serving as a gateway for spectators to connect and get excited about the World Championships.
“We are proud to collaborate in creating meaningful opportunities for our skaters and their families,” Mia Corsini Bailey, club director at The SC of Boston, said. “Our shared mission is to keep existing members engaged and inspired by the joy of figure skating, while also introducing new audiences to the sport within our communities. As our executive director, Doug Zeghibe, often says, ‘Competition between clubs should be left on the ice. Off the ice, we should work together to promote the sport.’”
Several other clubs and rinks also celebrated World Ice Skating Day across the nation, including those in Milkcreek, Utah; Colorado Springs, Colorado; West Lafayette, Indiana; and Miami, Florida.
The SC of New York and SC of Boston plan to continue to promote skating together during National Skating Month in January, and through the World Championships and beyond. Plans are being finalized for SC of New York members to visit Boston for a weekend of programming leading up to the World Championships.
U.S. Figure Skating’s National Skating Month theme is “The Ice is Calling,” which is an opportunity for clubs and rinks nationwide to promote family skating and register new members.
“Building on the momentum of World Ice Skating Day, we’re committed to creating engaging indoor and outdoor experiences that foster community and introduce families to the magic of figure skating,” SC of New York Executive Director Terri Levine said. “Our initiatives aim to inspire participation — whether by lacing up skates for the first time or enjoying the sport as a spectator. We’ll also ensure that everyone we connect with knows about the upcoming World Championships, encouraging them to be part of this world-class event.”
With the World Championships just about three months away, Corsini Bailey said the buzz and momentum can already be felt in Beantown and the rest of the Northeast.
“We’re thrilled by the enthusiastic response from the skating community,” Corsini Bailey said. “The organizing committee has received more than 900 volunteer applications, and scheduling is underway. This incredible turnout highlights the community’s passion and dedication to making the ISU World Figure Skating Championships 2025 an unforgettable event.”
Sweeper tryouts were held on Dec. 8, with hundreds signing up for the opportunity to be part of the event.
Levine added that this alliance will only grow as the two venerable organizations work to invigorate this classic winter sport.
“Looking beyond the Championships, we are committed to collaborating on skater-focused programming, sharing resources and providing new opportunities for athletes in both the New England and North Atlantic regions,” Levine said. “Together, we aim to strengthen and grow the sport for future generations.”
Get your tickets now for Worlds
Single-session tickets are now on sale. U.S. Figure Skating club members from across the country are invited to attend this monumental event in one of the sport’s most iconic cities. Visit isuworlds2025.com for tickets and more information.
