8th Annual Year of Joy Ice Skating Party: Over 200 Children Celebrate Holidays at Discovery Green

Lisa Valadez | 12/19/2023, 10:46 a.m.
Hundreds of Children from underserved communities enjoy "8th Annual Year of Joy Ice Skating Celebration at Discovery Green".

In a heartwarming event sponsored by H-E-B and the Houston Chronicle, with support from the Astros Foundation and alliantgroup, over 200 children, some donning skates for the first time, embraced the joy of ice skating at Discovery Green. The Year of Joy Holiday Ice Skating Party, initiated in December 2016 by Houston Chronicle Columnist Joy Sewing, Houston's first Black figure-skating coach, featured participating school groups such as MacGregor Elementary, Hartsfield Elementary, Hype Freedom School, Southside Community Center, Nehemiah Center, Sehah Youth and Fitness Center, and Be A Resource for Children, dedicated to supporting children in foster care.

"Our kids go from being terrified of falling to gliding across the ice by themselves in minutes. It’s amazing to watch, and it also helps build their confidence," said Sewing. "So many children don’t get an opportunity to experience the joy of the holidays and try something new like ice skating. This is an experience that will stay with them forever."

Local competitive skaters showcased dazzling performances on ice, complemented by on-stage acts featuring Skyler Clay from Houston's Urban Nutcracker and Miss Houston ambassadors singing festive tunes. Adding to the festive atmosphere, Santa Claus, a volunteer with 100 Black Men of Houston, and his elf, Fox 26 General Manager D'Artagnan Bebel, joined the celebration, spreading joy and holiday cheer.

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