Projo 7 to 7 News Blog

Disney On Ice member Christine Isaksen of Norway helps Tristen Rivera of Johnston who celebrates his fifth birthday at the rink. Young skaters receive pointers and advice from the Disney On Ice professional skaters following a very short mini-performance at the Bank of America Skating Center in Providence. Below, Donnell Ferrell, 5, joins other members from the Salvation Army "Skate for Joy' program at the skating clinic. Journal photos / John Freidah

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- "Come here, come here," Donnell Ferrell excitedly called to his older brother, Jaamari Jenkins, as Donald Duck arrived at the Bank of America Skating Center in Kennedy Plaza.

Donnell, 5, grinned ear to ear as Donald's friend, Mickey Mouse, and the rest of his band entered the rink.

Minutes later, the two brothers took to the ice along with Disney on Ice skaters as part of a free mini-performance this morning, as part of a preview of its latest show, "100 Years of Magic,", which starts tonight at the Dunkin' Donuts Center and runs through Tuesday.

Many falls ensued for the Providence ice skating novices, who were taking lessons with Skate for Joy, a local nonprofit group whose volunteer members teach basic ice-skating skills to low-income children, ranging in age from 2 to 15.

Without skipping a beat -- or losing his wide grin -- Donnell propped himself up as his grandmother, Rennee Ferrell, watched from nearby.

But June Kim of Sharon, Mass., could only watch as skaters of all levels glided -- and stumbled -- on the ice. The 7-year-old hurt her knee Sunday and will be on crutches for about a month.

Stuck at your computer? Take a look this video posted on YouTube of some classic Disney cartoon characters on ice.

 Tags  Providence R.I. Skate for Joy

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