ABOUT PROUD NATION
OUR PHILOSOPHY

501 (c) 3 PROUD NATION, inc., EduSkating is a sports-based youth development initiative that provides public and private schools, recreation departments, skating clubs and other ice arenas and sports facilities with the curricula and tools necessary to increase youth participation in ice skating programs and competitions; improve fitness, social, emotional and academic achievement; and develop greater awareness of the Olympic movement.
OUR HISTORY
MISSION STATEMENT
Promote individual well-being through the fusion of sport and education. Enhance personal growth through the provision of activities that build character and inspire the strive for excellence
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VISION STATEMENT
A world in which every person has universal access to lifelong opportunity for a balanced development of mind and body.
CORE VALUES
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A sports-based youth development program, EduSkating FOI uses Olympic sports to provide the opportunities and support that youth need to be healthy, contributing citizens now and as adults. EduSkating FOI offers youth an experience in which they learn and master sports skills along with academic, life and leadership skills in a safe, fun, supportive, and challenging environment. This experience involves caring relationships, facilitated learning, experiential learning, and vigorous physical activity.
TRADITION OF DIVERSITY
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STRIVE FOR EXELLENCE
Eduskating creates a pathway that facilitates the transition of youth from recreational to competitive skating.
PROUD NATION EduSkating Fever On Ice (FOI) is a dynamic program that integrates ice skating instruction with academic, life and leadership skills while fostering the Olympic Ideals of excellence, friendship and respect. Developed and now managed by six-time U.S. National Medalists and US Olympians Melissa Gregory and Denis Petukhov, FOI was recognized by the US Olympic Committee in 2010 with their prestigious RINGS OF GOLD individual award for youth development, the first time any skating program received this honor.
Olympic ice dancing partners Melissa and Denis launched EduSkating FOI in September 2009, and they have quickly made an impact on children in Connecticut. More than 250 students have participated in the program over the past 3 years; most with no prior ice skating experience but, by the program's end, they were skilled enough to skate in a public performance. The majority of students also demonstrated improved school performance, increased motivation and improved physical strength and stamina.
Melissa and Denis began skating as a team in 2000. Prior to then, both skaters had won numerous medals with other partners. Melissa and Denis were married in 2001 and together they have an impressive resume of US National medals, International Event Championships, and top World rankings. They represented the United States in the 2006 Winter Olympics in Torino, Italy, and they have toured as Champions on Ice performers. They continue to perform in television and ice shows all over the world such as Skating with the Starts, Champions on Ice, Art on Ice, and Scott Hamilton’s shows and have worked with artists such as Sheryl Crow, Vince Gill and Sean Young. Melissa and Denis now reside in Hartford, CT
HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE
OUR ROOTS
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EduSkating Fever On Ice provides challenging, fun programs on and off the ice that build Olympic-awareness, self-esteem and life-long academic and social skills in pre-K through 12th grade students.
EduSkating FOI uses Olympic sports to provide the opportunities and support that youth need to be healthy, contributing citizens now and as adults. EduSkating FOI offers youth a variety of sports experiences that develop athletic skills, promote health and fitness, foster academic achievement and learn life and leadership skills. Programs operate in a safe, fun, supportive, and challenging environment. This experience involves caring relationships, facilitated learning, experiential learning, and vigorous physical activity.
THE FUTURE
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