Syracuse, N.Y. (NCC News) — Roller skating used to be a popular social activity back in the day, but Bruce DiFederico believes the fun hobby is making a comeback. While being a full time mechanic, DiFederico founded Bruce’s Mobile Skating in 1984 as a side business after working at his father’s roller skating rink for most of his childhood.
He wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps and share the joy and fun of roller skating with others. As time went on, DiFederico saw that roller rinks were on the decline and closing up shop. Having the foresight, he decided he would bring the rink to his customers making it more accessible and convenient for his customers.
“If a lot of these kids, if they didn’t do it in school they would never get the chance to do it because their parents wouldn’t have a way to bring them to the rink or there’s not a lot of rinks close by,” DiFederico said.
By providing the skates and equipment, Bruce’s Mobile Skating gives kids in Syracuse the opportunity to take part in a fun activity, where maybe they would not have had the means to otherwise. Through a grant from the Syracuse Common Council, every events is free of charge for all skaters.
Bruce’s Mobile Skating also provides an opportunity for kids to get outside and do physical activity. With technology and video games on the rise in today’s world, it has become even tougher to get kids up and moving. Childhood obesity is higher than 30 percent in Onondaga County alone and bringing back an exciting hobby such as skating may help kids stay healthy.
