October 18, 2005

Inaugural ussg Instructor Education Conference 2005

ussg – United Skate Schools Group

P.O. Box 3093, El Segundo, CA 90245

Phone: 888-880-ROLL

Email: ussg@unitedskateschools.org

Website: www.unitedskateschools.org

Contact: Janet Miller Sheehan

Phone: 805-498-4983

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 .