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Community Corner

Rita's 'Ice Olympics' to Benefit Local Luger

Italian Ice shop to host fundraiser July 26 for West Islip's Aidan Kelly.

The temperature is rising and there's no better way to cool off than with a frozen treat from Rita’s Ice in East Islip.

On Tuesday, July 26 from 6-9 p.m., Rita’s Ice (located at 105 East Main Street, East Islip) is hosting the Ice Olympics to support a local athlete with dreams of Olympic gold.  There will be something for everyone with ice specials, hot dogs, contests and raffles.

The fundraiser is to support USA Luge Jr. national candidate team member Aidan Kelly.  Kelly, a 16-year-old West Islip resident, got his start in the sport of luge at a 2007 “Slider Search” which was held in Farmingville. 

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“I am so thankful to the generosity of Rita’s Ices of East Islip for hosting this event,” Kelly said.  “The spirit of competition is what fuels Olympic athletes to strive to be the best in their sport, but each of those athletes knows that they would not be where they are without a strong support system back home.  I am proud to not only represent USA Luge, but to represent Long Island.”

RELATED: Read our profile of Kelly (written in July 2010)

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The adrenaline rush of sliding at speeds of 70-plus mph has completely hooked this teen who dreams of one day representing the United States. 

This past year, Aidan’s hard work and commitment to his sport allowed him to race internationally, where he competed in Innsbruck, Austria to compete at the IGLS Jr. World Cup.  Aidan now trains year round in Lake Placid and has a lot of traveling ahead of him this year, with races in Park City, Calgary , Lake Placid and Innsbruck for the Youth Olympics.         

For more information, feel free to contact the Kellys at 631-539-4867 For more information on the sport of luge please log onto www.usaluge.org    

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