Wednesday, March 21, 2012

ON MARCH 22nd - FORMER SKATING CHAMPION NICOLE BOBEK AVIANCE SPEAKS ON HER STRUGGLES WITH SUBSTANCE ABUSE

Olympic skaters JoJo Starbuck and Nicole Bobek bringing ‘natural high’ to Morris Township, March 22


After taking gold in the 1995 U.S. Figure Skating Championships and placing third internationally that same year, Nicole Bobek was on her way to fulfilling her dream of representing the United States in the 1998 Winter Olympics.

The sky seemed like the limit for the young skater. Sadly, her career was derailed shortly after the Winter Games by a battle with addiction.

Now, after a six-year break from professional skating and a successful recovery, Bobek will return to the ice this Thursday, March 22, at Mennen Arena in Morris Township. She will speak to young people about how they can achieve highs naturally through fun, uplifting activities such as the Natural High Skating event.

 Nicole Bobek, former skating champion, will share some hard-earned life lessons with kids at 
Mennen Arena on March 22.
 
Organized by Morris County Partners in Substance Abuse Prevention as part of its Natural High Initiative, the event is about community building and empowering youth. Families can skate together for free.

“I’m given this chance to make a difference, and hopefully help others,” Bobek told the Today Show. Joining Bobek will be JoJo Starbuck, former World Figure Skating Champion and now a Madison resident.

Bobek will speak about her struggles with substance abuse at 6:30 pm in the arena’s Ballet Room. Though families and kids do not have to skate in order to hear Bobek speak, she will be lacing up her skates and taking to the ice for some fun with the families after her talk.

Don’t own skates?  Rentals are free, too. But capacity is limited so it’s a good idea to register ahead of time by calling (973) 285-6860 or visiting the Morris County Department of Human Services website.