Man aims to build the first Black-owned ice rink and skating museum in the U.S

Joel Savary, a longtime advocate for expanding access to ice sports, is on a mission to create the first-ever Black-owned ice rink and skating museum in Washington, D.C.

Black-owned ice rink and skating museum

Joel Savary (GoFundMe/NBC Universal)

Savary’s work has been nationally recognized, with features on PBS and The Kelly Clarkson Show. His vision aims to honor Black athletes’ contributions to skating while providing opportunities for aspiring skaters.

About Savary’s work

Savary has engaged K-12 schools and colleges, including launching groundbreaking programs that have brought ice skating to new audiences. Through his organization, Savary has helped introduce thousands of young people to ice sports. Additionally, provided pathways for them to learn, compete, and succeed.

Now, he’s taking this mission to the next level by creating a world-class ice rink and skating museum. It will serve as a hub for community engagement, youth programs, and cultural preservation.

GoFundMe created

With community support and donations, Savary hopes to make history by turning this groundbreaking project into a reality for future generations. A GoFundMe has raised more than $1,000 so far.

“This dream can’t happen without your help! Your donations will go toward securing a location, construction, equipment, programming, and ensuring that this facility is open and welcoming to all. Every contribution, big or small, brings us closer to opening the doors to a first-of-its-kind space that will inspire generations to come,” the fundraiser reads.

To donate, visit the GoFundMe fundraiser here.