One thing is true about the hockey community — they show up to help others and to share their love of the sport. That spirit, along with guidance from longtime Atlanta Gladiator Derek Nesbitt and support from the Gladiators organization, is at the heart of a new Special Olympics skating camp in Cumming, Georgia.
Presented by Grey Altemeyer with backing from a Deerfield Academy grant, this upcoming event is more than just an hour on the ice—it’s a homegrown effort to give back to the community that shaped one young player’s love for hockey. Partnering with Miracle Sk8ters and Sparks Special Olympics programs, the camp will take place on August 17th at The Ice in Cumming, Georgia.
From 9:30–10:30 a.m., participants will enjoy on-ice activities, followed by lunch from 10:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. The camp is free to attend and no skating experience is necessary, making it a welcoming event for all ability levels.
Inside The Rink will be on-site to cover the event, capturing the smiles, stories, and memorable moments on and off the ice.
From Inspiration to Action
The idea began when Altemeyer, now a Deerfield Academy student, attended a presentation on last year’s grant projects. Seeing the wide range of community-focused initiatives — from China to Sweden to right here in the U.S. — lit a spark.
“My friends running these projects inspired me to give back to my own community and share my passion,” he said.
For Altemeyer, that passion has always been hockey. At age four, after trying nearly every sport his preschool offered, nothing clicked—until his parents took him to an Atlanta Gladiators game. The energy of the sport drew him in immediately, and within weeks, he was in a Learn to Skate program. By age six, he was training with then-Gladiators player Derek Nesbitt, who became a lifelong mentor.
Giving Back Through the Game
“Derek [Nesbitt], among others, showed me the love for the game and how it can be spread,” Altemeyer said. “Once I was old enough to understand this, I started volunteering with Miracle Sk8ters, and I wanted to play the role that Derek did in my life for 14 years.”
That drive to inspire the next generation became the foundation for the Special Olympics camp — an event designed to introduce new skaters to the ice in a fun, supportive environment.
His connection to the Atlanta hockey community runs deep.
“Without the hockey community in Atlanta, I can definitely say I would not be where I am today. I started volunteering with Miracle Sk8ters Special Olympics Georgia as a way to give back to my community. When I went away to school at Deerfield Academy, I missed both my local hockey community and the friends I made through Miracle Sk8ters. When I heard about the grant program through my school, I immediately thought of the project I wanted to present. It means the world to me to bring my two communities together with an event that spreads the joy of hockey, camaraderie, and friendship. I have also learned a lot about the undertaking it is to run an event of this scale.”
Planning the Event
Turning the idea into reality took time and dedication. Altemeyer began outlining the camp in February, submitted his grant proposal in May, and, after securing funding, worked with The Ice to lock in rink time. Volunteer recruitment and participant sign-ups quickly exceeded expectations, leading to changes so everyone could be included.
Partnering with Nesbitt and the Atlanta Gladiators was a natural step.
“Derek has been a mentor of mine for a long time… when I told him what I was trying to do with this event, he and his team at The Gladiators were excited to collaborate on the event,” Altemeyer said.
What It’s All About
At its core, this event is about more than skating skills — it’s about joy, connection, and creating memories.
“I hope I can share a skating experience like mine, as well as provide a space where kids can have fun, make friends, and find new connections.”
For Altemeyer, the highlight will be simple but powerful:
“I’m looking forward to the smiles of the kids on the ice.”
How to Participate
Anyone interested in taking part can register in advance through Miracle Sk8ters, RSVP via the contact information listed below. Skates will be provided for those who need them, and volunteers will be on hand to assist skaters of all ability levels. Lunch will follow the on-ice session, giving everyone a chance to connect off the ice as well.
📅 Event Details – Special Olympics Skating Camp
Date: Sunday, August 17th
Time: 9:30–10:30 a.m. (On-Ice Activities), 10:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. (Lunch)
Location: The Ice, Cumming, Georgia
Cost: FREE – No Skating Experience Necessary
RSVP: 678-488-8657
Presented by: Grey Altemeyer with support from Deerfield Academy, in partnership with Miracle Sk8ters, Sparks, and the Atlanta Gladiators.
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