09/13/2026
What does or has skating meant to you at different times in your life? For me, skating, friendships, and the skating rink helped save me as a kid. The rink was my escape from bullying, a difficult home life, divorced parents, and all the pressures of just being a teenager.
When I laced up my skates, I could leave those worries behind for a while. I had a place to belong, something to look forward to, and friends who made me feel like I mattered.
That’s why Sportsworld means so much to me. I know the difference a skating rink can make in a child’s life, because I was that kid.
My hope is that someone growing up at Sportsworld today will someday say, “That place helped me, too.” 💚💜
— Shae Gentry
