U.S. Figure Skating have announced recipients of community development grants ©US Figure Skating

U.S. Figure Skating have announced six clubs and programmes have been awarded community developments grants.

The organisation revealed a five-member selection committee reviewed 41 applications.

Grants were awarded to clubs and programmes that were most effectively able to demonstrate how they would use the award to develop their initiatives.

The Southport Skating Club will receive funding to expand their "rising stars therapeutic" skating programme.

It is aimed at developing a curriculum specially tailored to individuals with severe disabilities or who need the assistance of sleds or walkers.

A learn to skate initiative by Rockford Park District will be expanded, along with their outreach to the local community.

Funds will also be used to provide transportation and staffing for their programme, as well as providing U.S. Figure Skating memberships to skaters interested in figure skating.

WVU Figure Skating Mason Dixon FSC will use the grant to build a synchronised skating programme by establishing two youth teams.

It is claimed this will allow them to establish a strong programme that will build as participants mature into higher levels.

The grants are aimed at boosting Learn to Skate USA Programmes across the country ©Getty Images
The grants are aimed at boosting Learn to Skate USA Programmes across the country ©Getty Images

Approval was also given for the City of Cleveland Heights to offer six weeks of lessons to young local skaters at no charge, as well as buying six new pairs of skates.

The effort is hoped will encourage young people in the community to continue figure skating as an activity.

Friends of Fort Dupont Ice Arena are set to use funding to expand a series of projects as part of their "Kids On Ice" programme.

The programme provides free or subsidised skating lessons to local children from disadvantaged areas six days a week.

The final development grant was awarded to Detroit Skating Club, who will boost scholarship opportunities for girls from low-income communities in Pontiac.

They will also support the second annual Figure Skating in Detroit summer camp.

Each of the six successful clubs and programmes are being awarded $2,000 (£1,500/€1,700) for their initiatives.

The community development grants were started by the Robert V. Hauff and the John F. Dreeland Foundation in 2010.

It was aimed at providing funding to eligible member clubs and Learn to Skate USA programmes throughout the country.