An Olympian is helping to open the Rinx in Wyandanch for the season Saturday.
Dr. Debi Thomas is the first Black athlete in the world to win a medal in the Winter Olympics. She took home the bronze medal in 1988.
The world champion skater recently returned from a skating hiatus. In addition to competing, she's giving back and hoping to get kids on the ice.
Dr. Thomas says, "Not everybody is going to make it to the Olympics; it's extremely rare. Getting out there, having fun with it, showing your passion, that can be inspiring to anybody."
She'll be giving lessons at the Rinx on Saturday at the Family Winter Wonderland celebration. The free event will also give families the opportunity to meet Santa, drink hot cocoa, receive a toy and enjoy the ice.
The event will begin at noon and run until 3:30 p.m. at 40 Station Drive in Wyandanch.
Video: What you can expect at The Rinx
Admission is $8 for an adult and $5 for a child under 17.