Buffalo, N.Y. — BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York is presenting Fearless February, a series of free, healthy activities for families to enjoy during Winter Break from Feb. 16 through Feb. 24.
Fearless February kicks off on Feb. 16 with Winter Blast at Martin Luther King, Jr. Park, a designated BlueCross BlueShield Healthy Zone. Activities will run from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and will include free old-fashioned pond skating on the five-acre ice basin, face painting, balloon animals and a visit from Sabretooth. Skates are available for participants to borrow at no cost.
Keep the fun rolling the very next day on Feb. 17 with Family Day at Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Niagara Community Center from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Activities will include sports, family-friendly games, a dance fitness class led by La’Movement Fitness and a children’s yoga class led by Power Yoga Buffalo.
Those looking to hit the ice during winter break have a number of free skating options as part of Fearless February, including on Feb. 19 at the Ice at Canalside from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.; on Feb. 20 at HARBORCENTER from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m; and on Feb. 21 at the Healthy Zone Rink in East Aurora from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. Skaters can warm up with a hot chocolate or coffee, compliments of BlueCross BlueShield.
Families looking for a fun way to end winter break can join the local health plan at UB’s Alumni Arena—home of the UB Bulls—for Family Day on Feb. 24 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. BlueCross BlueShield will transform the 40,000 sq. foot gym into a giant playground to host an afternoon of sports-themed activities, bounce houses and pictures with Victor E. Bull. Participants will also have access to the UB Aquatics Center, featuring an Olympic-size swimming pool.
“Fearless is finding ways to stay active all four seasons, especially during winter,” said Cait Zulewski, Director of Corporate Relations, BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York. “BlueCross BlueShield is thrilled to bring back Fearless February to give families in our community the opportunity to get out of the house for some free, fun and healthy activities during winter break.”
In addition to Winter Blast on Feb. 16, the historic basin at MLK Jr. Park will be open all week long for free, old-fashioned pond skating. Skates are available to borrow. Skating is weather dependent; individuals are encouraged to call the “Ice Line” at 716-838-1249 ext. 17 for ice rink hours.
All events are free and open to the public. Skating events are weather dependent. Individuals interested in participating should pre-register by visiting www.bcbswny.com/play.
For a full gallery of photos from last year’s events visit BlueCross BlueShield’s Facebook page. Video can be accessed and used by clicking here.
Please see below for a full list of the events and information.
| Day and Time | Event & Location | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday, Feb. 16, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. |
Winter Blast at Martin Luther King, Jr. Park 778 Best St. Buffalo, NY 14211 |
Participants will enjoy free activities including, old-fashioned pond skating, face painting, balloon animals, snacks, and other fun activities. Skates will be available for free to borrow. |
|
Sunday, Feb. 17, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. |
Family Day at the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Niagara Community Center 530 66th St. Niagara Falls, NY 14304 |
Participants can get active and stay warm at Family Day, featuring sports activities, games, a dance fitness class led by La’Movement Fitness and a children’s yoga class led by Power Yoga Buffalo. |
|
Tuesday, Feb. 19, 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. |
Free Skate at Canalside 44 Prime St. Buffalo, NY 14202 |
Participants can enjoy three hours of free ice skating, curling, bumper cars and ice bikes followed by a free hot beverage, courtesy of BlueCross BlueShield. Rentals will be available for purchase. |
|
Wednesday, Feb. 20, 11:00 a.m. – 1 p.m. |
Free Skate at HARBORCENTER 100 Washington St., Buffalo, NY 14203 |
Participants can enjoy two hours of indoor skating in the heart of downtown Buffalo. |
|
Thursday, Feb. 21, 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. |
Free Skate at the Healthy Zone Rink 41 Riley St. East Aurora, NY 14052 |
Participants skate for free at the outdoor rink with Sabretooth. Skate rentals will be available for $3. BlueCross BlueShield’s community relations team will be on-site handing out vouchers for free hot chocolate and coffee. |
|
Monday, Feb. 18 through Friday, Feb. 22, 1:30 – 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23 and Sunday, Feb. 24 12:00 – 5:30 p.m. |
Free Skating at MLK Jr. Park, 778 Best St., Buffalo, NY 14211 |
Free ice skating all season long at the historic MLK Jr. Park Ice Basin. Skates will be available for participants to borrow. Individuals are encouraged to call the “Ice Line” for rink conditions at 716-838-1249 ext. 17. |
|
Sunday, Feb. 24 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. |
Family Day at UB 175 Webster Road Amherst, NY 14221 |
Participants join at the UB Alumni Arena- home of the UB Bulls - to partake in interactive sports and games. Participants will also have access to the UB Aquatics Center, featuring an Olympic-size swimming pool. |
About BlueCross BlueShield of WNY
BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York is a division of HealthNow New York Inc., an independent licensee of the BlueCross BlueShield Association. Since 1936, BlueShield has helped millions of people lead healthier lives. BlueShield offers a full range of insured, self-insured, and government programs and services covering businesses, families, and individuals, as well as dental and vision plans and stop-loss coverage. As a community-based, not-for-profit health plan, BlueCross BlueShield contributes significantly to organizations that strengthen and enrich the health of our community.
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