Hiram Cowhey, a second-grader at Northside Elementary School in Farmingdale was selected to perform on Sunday, Dec. 16, as part of the Olympic Ice Show’s Holiday Dreams On Ice cast. The show was held at Cantiague Park in Hicksville.
“It was awesome skating with all the big girls,” Cowhey told the Farmingdale Observer afterward. “And Ross Miner knew how to spell my name.” He has been ice-skating and taking lessons in Bethpage for more than two years. His mother, Shivonne said, “We like him [Hiram] skating in these events so he gets to see the progression within the sport, and the more advanced skills and routines; we also enjoyed watching the show.”
Cowhey, 7, skated with Johnny Weir, a three-time US champion, two-time Olympian, and world medalist, is one of the superstars of figure skating and an emerging pop-culture icon; and Great Neck’s own Emily Hughes, a member of the 2006 U.S. Olympic team. “Performing on Long Island is always special for me because it’s my home,” said Hughes.
In addition, nearly two dozen young ice skaters, ranging in ages from 5 to 16, appeared in the show along with featured Olympian, U.S. National Champion and World Bronze Medalist Nicole Bobek; two-time U.S. National Bronze Medalist Ross Miner; Ice Dancing U.S. National Bronze Medalists Madison Hubbell and Zach Donahue; U.S. Junior National Champion and World Junior Medalist Jason Brown; U.S. Junior National Champion Max Aaron and National Competitor Samantha Cesario.
The show was initially scheduled for Abe Stark Rink in Brooklyn, but due to damage caused by Hurricane Sandy, the facility was unable to host to the show. Nassau County stepped-up to provide the show promoters with a facility to ensure that the show would go on.
“We thank County Executive [Edward] Mangano and Commissioner [Carnell] Foskey for helping bring this show to the people of Nassau County,” said Tara King, president of Fireworks Sports Marketing and the executive producer of Holiday Dreams On Ice. “Olympic dreams start every day at ice rinks around the world. Thanks to them, maybe our next Olympian will make their debut performance at Holiday Dreams On Ice.”
