With free rentals, cups of hot chocolate and the aforementioned cookies, youngsters began arriving at the Oval for the 5 p.m. start.

ORDA had the lights flashing and the music pumping, and soon more than 100 community members were gliding, sliding, stuttering and shuffling their way around the ice. Scene of the historic speed skating exploits of Eric Heiden in 1980, it seemed fitting that the next generation of skaters got to enjoy the opportunity to follow in some famous footsteps.

Launched last year as one of the Educational Opportunity Fund’s signature events, the support of the Gordon W Pratt Agency ensured that skate rentals were free to the students and their families and that all could be welcomed to enjoy the experience. Throughout the evening, those more comfortable on the ice showed those a little less steady on their feet how to improve – often with the smallest helping some of the biggest to stay upright. As the event wound to a close around 7pm, families were still arriving to get in a few quick laps and experience the unique outdoor venue. The last of the cookies soon found some willing takers.

The Ed Op Fund’s mission is to close the opportunity gap within the Lake Placid School District, ensuring all students have the chance to experience all that our wonderful community, and the wider world, has to offer. “Teaming up with local businesses like Gordon W. Pratt, and the ongoing support of our generous donors, helps us seek out those opportunities and organize events like skate night,” said Simon Shergold, volunteer board member of the Ed Op Fund. “We are very grateful for all of their support in helping events like this happen.”

To find out more, and support our work, please visit www.edopfund.org