Sport Court is excited to announce a partnership with the NHL and the Washington Capitals to resurface Watkins Rush Rink with Sport CourtⓇ Sport Game™ suface. The street hockey rink at Watkins Elementary School and Recreation Center in Southeast Washington, D.C. is getting resurfaced as a part of the National Hockey League's (NHL) Winter Classic Legacy Initiative, an on-going philanthropic endeavor in which the NHL, local club - in this case the Washington Capitals®- and other league partners support community organizations in the host city of an NHL event.
The Sport Court Sport Game Surface will create a safe surface for the community to play roller hockey. In addition to the refurbished street hockey rink, development and training will be provided by the Washington Capitals to 23 physical education teachers in 21 D. C. public schools. The goal is to implement the sport into their programming and to promote active and healthy lifestyles for youth through hockey.
"Sport Court was proud to work with the NHL through our Courts for Communitis program," said Brandi Connolly, Director of Marketing at Connor Sport Court International. "Our company is committed to creating safe places for communities to play sport around the globe, and the NHL legacy project was a perfect example."
"While the 2015 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic will be memorable in a host of ways, it is a priority for the National Hockey League that the impact of this outstanding event lasts long after the game concludes," National Hockey League Commissioner Gary Bettman said. "By refurbishing Watkins Rush Rink, we hope to provide a source of fun and fitness to generations of youngsters who want to enjoy street hockey – while also supporting our commitment to environmentally friendly initiatives."
The 2015 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic will take place at 1:00 PM EST on New Year's Day, when the Washington Capitals host the Chicago Blackhawks® at Nationals Park in front of thousands of fans. The event will also be broadcast on NBC.
Watkins Rush Rink is a part of the DC Department of Parks and Recreation.
Special thanks to Sport Court of Maryland for building the new rink!