In 1983, President Ronald Reagan declared October National Roller Skating Month. This was a popular activity during the 80s. Fast forward to 2013, 30 years later, it is still a fun and inexpensive fitness activity.
Believe it or not, roller skating is still very popular in the United States, but people do not know about it because of lack of news coverage. Also, many of the rinks in the city have closed.
Roller skating used to be a popular community activity held in community centers, churches and schools. Now, you have to scout for nearby rinks, which are usually in nearby suburbs.
We have two rinks in the city of Chicago, The Rink Fitness Factory and Martin Luther King, Jr. Entertainment Center, both located on the South Side of Chicago. However, there are at least eight other rinks that are within two hours drive. Well, they are from where I live.
To learn more about roller skating, visit the sites of The National Museum of Roller Skating site or the Roller Skating Association International (RSA).
So, let’s go get our skate on! If you are afraid to roller skate, at least take a child so they can have the experience. Do an internet search to find rinks near you.
Are you a rink owner? What are you doing to celebrate national roller skating month?
Image: sublimemediaconnection