Group shot from Citi Pond Kids Day. Photo by: Stacy Podelski
Becoming a champion in any aspect of life isn’t an easy task; it takes heart, determination and a belief in yourself that you can achieve the impossible. That was the lesson that 50 children from the YMCA of Greater New York learned thanks to the first Citi Pond Kids program at Citi Pond at Bryant Park on Friday.
“The YMCA is very honored to be here at Citi Pond with Sasha Cohen, it is such an amazing experience for our kids at the Y we believe that all kids are champions-so when they get the opportunity to meet a real life champion it just inspires them even more to pursue their dreams,” said Ellen Murphy, the Senior Director of Communications and Public Relations at the YMCA of Greater NY.
A new addition to the Citi sponsorship community platform, Citi Pond Kids day, brought together a select group of kids to have a day of fun and play with 2006 Torino Olympic Games silver medalist figure skater Sasha Cohen.
“The Citi Pond Kids day gives us (at Citi) a chance to partner with groups like the YMCA, P.S. 57 in Harlem we bring children from those neighborhoods to different types of venues, like Citi Pond and Citi Field were we can as a bank we can do something that Is not typically done,” said Bill Brown, Manhattan Division Director, Citibank.
Brown continued to say, “It is going to be a great day, because when you can see the smiling faces on these children and the beautiful weather here at Citi Pond and the sun shining it is going to be a fantastic day.”
Those words rang true as the children that were in attendance at Citi Pond, were able to interact with Cohen one-on-one, while also being treated to a question-and-answer session with the figure skating-star.
Cohen also showed her silver medal form with a special performance on the Citi Pond ice, before skating with the children from the YMCA.
“I loved it, I loved their questions, I love their innocence and how excited they are to be here today,” said Cohen to 1495 Sports. “I want to be able to be a role model and share my experience and help motivate them.”
The 2006 Olympic silver medalist had this to say on being able to share her experiences with others, “It is amazing; it was difficult, and incredible. I want to make sure to tell people that it is not all easy and not all perfect, there is so much that goes on behind the scenes that people don’t see and it is because you persevere that you are able to overcome the obstacles in life.”
Fans that enjoy community related activities should stay tuned to the official Citi website, as the leading global financial services company has a ton of other great events in store.
“For us with the start of baseball season, we are going to do a lot of events with Citi Field kids working with our partners at the Jackie Robinson Foundation,” said Brown in a one-on-one with 1495 Sports. “With the spring time coming I know you are going to see a ton of events a Citi Field.”
To check out more information on the great work that Citi does in the community, check out the bank’s official site by clicking on the link below:
Cohen is also very involved in the community, as the star currently sits as an ambassador and Board Member for Figure Skating in Harlem, a not-for-profit organization that provides girls 6-to-18 with vital educational and skating opportunities that builds self-worth and promotes physical well-being and academic achievement.
To check out the upcoming appearances for Ms. Cohen or to help support her favorite charity make sure to visit the official Sasha Cohen site by clicking here:
Also for more information on the YMCA of Greater New York check out the official site seen below:
Written on February 5, 2012
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