Contact Information: Release Date:
Evelyn Darling, Executive Director January 21, 2022
Downtown Worcester Business Improvement District
evelyn@downtownworcester.org
508-622-3050
WORCESTER, MA – As the world turns its gaze to Beijing for the XXIV Olympic Winter Games, the City of Worcester will be focusing its attention on the first “WOOlympics” on Saturday, February 5, 2022 from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm on Worcester Common.
The Downtown Worcester Business Improvement District (BID) is pleased to host this all-ages event to bring the spirit and camaraderie of the winter games to the Downtown. The event will have something for everyone, from ice skating and obstacle courses to appearances by many of Worcester’s favorite mascots, hot chocolate, and other games, food, and prizes.
“The WOOlympics is intended to provide our community with an opportunity to be outdoors, engage in some friendly competition, and enjoy all that our Downtown has to offer,” said Evelyn Darling, the Executive Director of the Downtown Worcester BID. “It is our hope that this exciting new event will help bring people out to safely enjoy a fun afternoon in Worcester.”
The software company ComputerVault, which recently relocated to Downtown Worcester, is sponsoring the event. “When ComputerVault moved our corporate headquarters to Downtown Worcester, we made a commitment to community support,” said Marc Zarrella VP of Partnerships at ComputerVault. “Partnering with the BID on this fantastic event is just the beginning of our community first philosophy.”
Participants interested in “going for gold” on the ice are welcome to bring a non-perishable item to donate to Worcester Community Fridges and skate for free on the Worcester Common Oval (skate rentals not included). All who donate to the Worcester Community Fridges will be entered for a chance to win tickets to a Worcester Railers game and will receive a voucher to redeem for a free hot chocolate and chocolate chip cookie, courtesy of the Downtown Worcester Business Improvement District.
In addition to the public skating on Worcester Common Oval, School Yahd and Ultimate Obstacles will have games and an obstacle course for kids. The Worcester Public Library and Creative Hub Worcester each will have a craft station where people of all ages are welcome to stop by, indulge their creativity, and learn more about the organizations’ programs. The City of Worcester’s Department of Health and Human Services Mobile Clinic also will be on site to administer vaccines and answer any questions.
While the spirited competition will be focused on Worcester Common, there are a number of events and amenities within close proximity to the games. The Worcester PopUp, located inside the Jean McDonough Arts Center at 20 Franklin Street, will be open to the public for use as a “warming station” during the event, providing patrons with an opportunity to learn more about the cultural scene in Worcester.
As Worcester continues to manage the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Worcester kindly reminds those attending the event to wear their masks while utilizing the skating rink facilities and when you are indoors. In the event of inclement weather, the BID has set a snow date of Sunday, February 20th from 1:00 pm to 3:00 p.m.
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About Downtown Worcester Business Improvement District
Downtown Worcester Business Improvement District is a non-profit organization established in 2018 to sustain momentum in the heart of Downtown Worcester. The result of a comprehensive community-based effort, the organization represents the owners of 140 properties and seeks to create a unique sense of place through enhanced investment and development, establishing and sustaining a vibrant, welcoming, and economically viable district for all.
