Olympians to Skate With HIV, AIDS Kids

Youngsters with HIV or AIDS will get a chance to skate with Olympians Randy Gardner and Tai Babilonia on Saturday at the Easy Street Ice Arena.

The skating event gives children between the ages of 6 and 16 who are living with the virus or the deadly disease an opportunity to experience the thrill of ice-skating without fear of stigma.

The daylong skating clinic is organized by Camp Laurel, a nonprofit group that provides inner-city day camps for children living with AIDS, as well as a year-round residential camp.

In addition to giving free skating lessons, Babilonia and Gardner arranged for about 35 Camp Laurel children to use the skating rink for free.

Depending on the children’s skill levels, they will learn the basics of skating or how to perform jumps from the Olympians.

“It’s really to boost their self-esteem and let the children know they can do anything they want, whether they’re sick or not,” said Margot Andrew, the executive director of the 5-year-old group.

There is room for more children with HIV or AIDS to participate in the clinic. For information, call (213) 635-5005.