Olympic figure-skating champion and Dancing on Ice judge has visited the town’s temporary ice rink today (Thursday) to celebrate its fully accessible facilities.
British Olympic figure-skating champion, Robin Cousins MBE, along with special guests from Forward Facing, a charity supporting Sussex families whose children have long-term or life-limiting conditions, take to the ice at Lightning Fibre’s accessible Ice Rink, Eastbourne, to celebrate its accessibility for all and seasonal return to Eastbourne.
Cousins, a Guinness World Records holder and former ITV Dancing on Ice head judge, laced up his skates at Lightning Fibre’s ice rink to encourage people of all abilities to partake in the joy of ice skating.
Cousins was joined by Forward Facing volunteer Chelsea Spence, and Forward Facing families, Jo and her daughter, Katie, 6, Sharon and her son, Fenton.
Cousins, a patron of various children’s charities and a BBC Sports Personality of the Year, is keen to lend his support to the Lightning Fibre’s ice rink that has focused on accessibility to enable wheelchair users and the SEND community to get on the ice and join in the fun.
Chelsea, volunteer activities and accessibility coordinator at Forward Facing, said: “The opportunity to take our families, of varying abilities and accessibility needs, on the ice is brilliant.
“The ability to enjoy the ice rink is something many of our Forward Facing families and young people might have previously written off, however, Lightning Fibre has made great efforts to be as inclusive as possible and our families love it. Kudos to them.”
Stephen Holt, leader of Eastbourne Borough Council and CEO of Eastbourne BID, joined from the sidelines as an enthusiastic supporter of the seasonal attraction credited with boosting visitor numbers and generating huge economic benefits for the town.
Rob Reaks, Lightning Fibre’s chief commercial officer, said: “We are delighted to bring the Lightning Fibre Ice Rink back to Eastbourne for a fourth consecutive year, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to supporting our community.
“Since Lightning Fibre’s Ice Rink ‘returned’ to the town in 2021, it has been enjoyed by tens of thousands, and drawn more people into Eastbourne during the busy festive period, benefiting many local businesses. We are particularly proud of the accessibility of the rink, and delighted to welcome Oscar and families from Forward Facing to skate with the sensational Robin Cousins.”
Eastbourne News, the free community newspaper, has sponsored the safety equipment at the ice rink, to ensure everyone can enjoy it safely.
Lightning Fibre’s Ice Rink is located outside the Enterprise Shopping Centre and Eastbourne Railway Station and is open every day, except Christmas Day, from December 6 to 31.
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