Fellow Sacramento Skating Email Group Members,

I am forwarding an email with a link from The United Skate Schools
Group (ussg):

October 19, 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Inaugural ussg Instructor Education Conference 2005

Long Beach, CA -- The United Skate Schools Group (ussg) Inaugural
Instructor Education Conference was held last Saturday, October 15th
in conjunction with the Long Beach International Marathon Expo. The
objective of this historical meeting was to re-energize interest in
wheeled sports although this conference focused on the resurrection of
inline skating, and inline skating education.

Participants included ussg advisors, specialists, and instructor
members from Canada and the United States. Attendees who participated
shared their ideas, passion and vision in a variety of creative
brainstorming sessions. There were professionals from many aspects of
skate instruction including both new and well-seasoned instructors,
who despite a lack of leadership in recent years, have remained as
dedicated now as ever.

In the Welcome Address, ussg Director and CEO Janet Miller Sheehan,
outlined the development of the ussg since its inception in January
2005 and despite early obstacles the organization is growing legs.
"The future of skate education represents the future of inline skating."
Sheehan said. "The last time around, at the sports inception in the
1980's, we as education leaders had no history, track records or
benchmarks for conducting our business or targeting who we thought our
markets were. This time, we have authenticity and the history of our
mistakes. We have our finger on the pulse of who our consumers are and
why they choose inline skating. We are poised to lead this effort."
she said.

A conference highlight was the surprise "roast" and recognition of
inline skate education pioneer Dean Kaese of Salomon North America.
Awarded the Founding Father of Inline Skating, it was Kaese's vision
and effort 20 years ago that led the effort, then called Rollerblade
Inline Skating Association (RISA), represented at the conference last
weekend.
Other presentations included the History of Inline Skating Education
by ussg Advisor Krista Heubusch. She laid out the origin of skate
education and how the roots of the IISA-ICP started with Dean Kaese
and the Rollerblade Inline Skate Association (RISA). Additional
conference presenters were Suzanne Nottingham, Trish Alexander,
Heather Lacayo and Kristine Fondran.

It was unanimous by the end of the day that a revival of inline
skating and education is eminent. Targeting women age 40 as the
primary demographic, "fitness" was highlighted as the single best
reason to skate, further that it didn't need to be a separate product
category.
"Fitness is inherent in the activity no matter how you use inline
skates or what your ability is," said fitness expert and ussg advisor
Suzanne Nottingham. "Simply by strapping on a pair, the element of
balance is present which is a recognized component of health and
wellness."

The consensus was that industry leadership is one objective, but our
history has created a culture that has never died. It's time to revive
this remarkable activity and get the life blood flowing on streets and
boardwalks around the continent. The involvement must spread into the
culture and lifestyles of both active and inactive populations. As
Dean Kaese said, "What we did right last time was skate ourselves! We
skated at conferences and trade shows. We showed up on beach
boardwalks with products people could try. Our passion for inline
skating was obvious.
We need to do the same thing again."

The ussg is a membership organization for skate instructors and skate
school owners. It offers Instructor Examination Programs and benefits
for its members including professional recognition, discounts,
insurance, newsletters, and more. For more information on ussg events
and opportunities visit www.unitedskateschools.org .

Bernie

Bernard E. Scoville, Webmaster of "Sacramento Skating"
(http://www.fortunecity.com/marina/anchor/288/ )