On October 12th, the New York Rangers announced that they had selected the John T. Wright Arena/Mackay Rink in Englewood to be the beneficiaries of a community outreach program. The Rangers Assist program, sponsored by Chase, is a part of the Rangers’ “Go Skate” outreach programs that are designed to increase hockey participation in the tri-state area.
According the official website of the Rangers, “Rangers Assist support will be provided to a variety of hockey initiatives including refurbishing local rinks and providing equipment to children in need.”
Lisa Wisotsky, president of the Friends of the John T. Wright Arena, thinks that the Rangers will succeed in accomplishing both of its goals.
“The Rangers bring support into the Arena that will enable community outreach and programs that will increase accessibility of skating and hockey to all the children of Englewood,” she says in a statement, adding “the New York Rangers bring a certain cachet to both Englewood and the Arena which will spark interest and ignite awareness of sports and recreation for the community.”
During the first intermission of the Rangers’ October 12th game against the Toronto Maple Leafs, a video was played to announce the selection of John T. Wright Arena/ Mackay rink, as well as the Riverbank State Park Youth Hockey Program. After the video, two Englewood children, Anika Rudman and Summer Helm, were presented with a banner by members of the Rangers organization to be placed at the John T. Wright Arena. Following the presentation of the banner, Wisotsky and Tim Dacey, Englewood city manager, were given a ceremonial check by Chase for the sum of $25,000.
Mayor John Huttle III of Englewood is ecstatic that “Rangers Assist has decided to help at the Mackay Arena…With the help of Rangers Assist, this…can be an important year for introducing diverse community members to [the arena].”
There are many sponsorship opportunities at the John T. Wright Arena. If you are interested in getting involved in either the Friends of the John T. Wright Arena or sponsorship opportunities at arena, please contact the group at [email protected], or find out more at their official website, located at www.friendsofwrightarena.org.
Sushi Kaplan is an intern at JLBC and will be contributing to the paper throughout the year. He is a sophomore at Frisch and enjoys sports. Check out his sports blog at sushionsports.wordpress.com.
By Sushi Kaplan
