Kids and adults, skaters and non-skaters, are welcome to enjoy Princess on Skates come and try roller skating day.
Yarraville’s Belle Hadiwidjaja started Princess on Skates in lockdown during 2020. Now four years later Ms Hadiwidjaja has shifted her focus to getting the community to experience the joy of roller skates.
Through Maribyrnong council’s Love Your West Program, Ms Hadiwidjaja is excited to bring her come and try day to the Coulson Gardens in Maribyrnong.
“This event is for people who are curious about trying roller skating but are hesitant to go out and try it themselves,” she said.
“It is a taster of what it could be.”
With all equipment included, from skates, to helmets to protective gear, Ms Hadiwidjaja said the day will include not only skating, but music and performances.
“There will be performances from my students as well from myself,” she said.
“Then at the end of the day people can purchase the skates if they love it so much.”
Since beginning her passion, Ms Hadiwidjaja has quite often held these events herself but since gaining popularity she needed some help.
“This year I received a grant from council to host four of these sessions which have been really good and popular,” she said.
With one event held in January and another in February, Ms Hadiwidjaja said she expects to see around 40 families across the day lace on skates.
“The joy it brings is exhilarating, you forget about things for a while, it is so good for your mental health,” she said.
“My purpose is to spread the joy of roller skating. During lockdown I would get down to the park with my kids and we would be so happy together.”
Now Maribyrnong families can share in the joy on Sunday, March 24.
Jennifer Pittorino
