Friends of Fort Dupont Ice Arena
Provide increased opportunity, education, and inspiration to young people of Washington, DC and the surrounding area through ice skating sports and educational activities. We partner with public and private schools to put more than 3,500 kids on the ice annually, through free and/or subsidized programs, with all equipment provided.
More About Us
Kids On Ice® programming is continuing throughout this interim period of new rink construction. Our mailing address during new rink construction is: Friends of Fort Dupont Ice Arena, c/o Capital Clubbhouse, 3033 Waldorf Market Pl, Waldorf, MD 20603. Your gift will make summer programming a reality for countless neighborhood kids whom dream to attend. Our future is brighter than ever with a new rink coming soon.
FFDIA is a nonprofit organization established in 1996. which offers basic and advanced skating instruction, and regular physical education programming for District schools and all kids of DC in addition to recreational and cultural activities. It is the only public indoor ice arena located in DC and the only skating facility in the region that provides free skating programs to economically-disadvantaged children and teens. During FY23, approximately 5,0000 DC area youth skated in our programs, many participating in ongoing lessons throughout the year. The majority of these children come from less-advantaged neighborhoods, residing in or attending schools in Wards 7 and 8.
Who we are and what we do at FDIA is unique. Ice skating sports are expensive. Lessons are expensive; equipment is expensive. And few ice rinks are located in the heart of cities, making them inaccessible to many kids and families without significant financial resources. FDIA represents opportunity and access. We are located in the heart of DC's Ward 7. Our lessons and related programs are free or subsidized, so that any child can take part. We provide skates, equipment, and apparel for any participants who need them. And skating is unique, too. One can build individual skills and the confidence that comes with that, and can also be part of a team, such as in ice hockey and synchronized figure skating. Whether a child wants to be a competent recreational skater or pursue higher level skills and compete, he/she learns important skills that will carry them to a successful future: confidence, overcoming disappointments, goal setting, determination, and teamwork .
FFDIA created the Kids On Ice® (KOI) programs, adding new disciplines (such as speedskating and synchronized skating) as demand increased and resources allowed. These programs provide free skating lessons to local children from around the City, but especially from economically-challenged neighborhoods, seven days a week. On average each year, 1,500 children skate during school hours as a component of physical education classes as part of our Schools Skate for Fitness program, or during summer programming through partnerships with local schools and non-profit organizations. In addition, nearly 500 youth participate in basic skating instruction (Learn To Skate) on Saturdays. FFDIA also offers advanced skating instruction for youth; over 150 skaters participate in weekly synchronized skating, advanced figure skating, ice hockey, and/or speed skating instruction.
KOI programs also encourage children to achieve a more fitness-oriented lifestyle while learning and mastering a new healthy activity. These programs bring DC communities together. . KOI youth come from all over the city, learning and growing together. FFDIA provides a safe and positive environment and space for youth who reside in the City's most impoverished neighborhoods, but it is also a melting pot of diverse backgrounds coming together to enjoy a common love of skating.
Testimonials
"Always glad to help. Fort Dupont / Kids On Ice® are/were a huge part of our girls learning to grow up (how to skate, how to be part of a team, how to teach, etc.). You all created such a great community; you have a lot to be proud of. I'm looking forward to seeing everyone there and the new rink in all its glory when its completed." -May 14, 2024Nathan Centofanti
KOI® Dad and Volunteer
"Fort Dupont Ice Arena has been a gift from heaven for the students of Plummer Elementary School. Because of the graciousness, patience, and upbeat personalities of the staff, our students thrive and love attending. Additionally, they learn a skill that benefits their health and well-being, and will enable them to perform this activity for a lifetime. We are so thankful for the opportunity that Fort DuPont Arena has afforded our students and look forward to next year when we can expose a new generation of Plummer students to your wonderful program. Thanks again for all you do for our students."
Mr. Pernell
Plummer Elementary School Teacher
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"U.S. Figure Skating is pleased to offer this letter in support of the Friends of Fort Dupont Ice Arena. Kids On Ice® has been awarded our community development grant every year for the past several years. They do an amazing job of developing community-based programs and events to attract, involve, and inspire new generations of figure skaters. What an amazing experience especially for kids of Wards 7 and 8! We are aware that kids East Of The River participate in the highest numbers. We were happy to see the Kids On Ice Synchronized Skating program featured on NBC nationwide during the U.S. Figure Skating Championships a few years ago . We observed Kids On Ice programming when filming and were thoroughly impressed. We are proud of the impact FFDIA makes on DC area youth, especially East of the River. The staff at FFDIA is hardworking and they have a tremendous record of accomplishing results via programming both on and off the ice throughout the year on a daily basis for youth in the community, especially those residing in neighborhoods considered to be disadvantaged. FFDIA and their Kids On Ice® programming has the highest recommendation of U.S. Figure Skating. I am happy to provide additional information if you like. "
Susi Wehrli McLaughlin , Senior Director of Membership , U.S. Figure Skating