"Miracle On Ice" Team Member, Dave Silk, to Speak in Hingham

March 29, 2016 – Hingham, MA – The 2016 South Shore Youth Health and Fitness Night, to be held at Hingham High School on Friday, April 8, 2016 at 6:30pm, is pleased to welcome Keynote Speaker, Dave Silk. The event, hosted by the Hingham Downtown Association and Old Colony Montessori School, is free, open to the public and appropriate for families with children of all ages. The first 200 registered attendees will receive gift bags filled with coupons and samples from event sponsors (to register, visit: https://youthhealthandfitness.eventbrite.com).

Dave, a Hingham resident, is a former Boston Bruin and 1980 Olympic Men’s Hockey Gold Medal winner (the film “Miracle” was based on the USA team’s victory over the Soviet Union to win the gold medal in the games at Lake Placid). Dave returned to Lake Placid in 2015 to complete his first Ironman triathlon and is passionate about encouraging and motivating younger generations to follow their dreams, work hard, and involve fitness, health and sports as part of their life – all leading to success both in and out of the classroom.

The grandson of Red Sox player Hal Janvrin, Dave was involved in athletics from an early age – something that would play a huge role in his life, career and future legacy. Inducted into the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame, you can still find Dave working out daily – though he has traded in his hockey skates for a bicycle and a swim cap. Dave, who experienced first-hand, the “family” experience that being part of a team offers, has now found that same “family” connection within the triathlon community. “ Triathletes seem to go out of their way to be friendly and helpful”, says Dave.

“I am still focused on staying fit and healthy and progressing consistently”, says Dave, as he describes his training routine and commitment to living a healthy life. An inspirational video, including footage of his 1980 Olympic experience, will be shown on April 8th as Dave engages his audience, of all ages, with humor, passion and his own life examples of how important it is for kids (and adults) to be healthy, active and to never give up on dreams and ambitions.

Also speaking at the 2016 Youth Health and Fitness Night will be Hingham High Harbormen head hockey coach, Tony Messina. Tony has led his team of student athletes to securing the 2015 Division 1 boy’s hockey state championship (just one of many state titles the Hingham High School boys hockey team has won) and just completed an incredibly successful 2016 season in which the Harbormen had success through the Super 8 Quarterfinals.

Tony, also a Hingham resident, experiences the importance of supporting and encouraging student athletes on a daily basis. He will also be speaking to the importance of health, fitness and team sports environments as students strive to be successful, well-rounded and learn to be part of a team in school, sports and life.

Sponsors for this event include the Weymouth Club, b.good (b.good will be giving away samples of their healthy and delicious smoothies at the event), Rip Rides, Pilgrim Skating Arena, Hingham Rec Center, Mama’s Move, My Gym, Reebok CrossFit Bare Cove, Peel Pizza, South Shore Gymnastics Academy and many more local businesses, gyms and establishments.

A raffle will be held to support the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Boston (attendees can enter to win a basket full of gym memberships, free classes, products, food and beverage and much more!) and attendees of all ages can bring their gently used sports equipment to be donated to the Boys and Girls Club locations in our area.

Hingham Downtown Association (www.discoverhingham.com) unites Hingham businesses and residents to promote the enjoyment of our town for both local families and surrounding area visitors.

Old Colony Montessori School (OCMS) enrolls students ages 2.9 to 10 and offers 2, 3 and 5 day programs. OCMS is enrolling for the Fall 2016 school year and is now accepting applications. For more information about OCMS, visit www.oldcolonymontessori.org.

Both local organizations are pleased to sponsor this event and welcome our speakers, students, families and local residents to the 2016 South Shore Youth Health and Fitness Night.

If you are interested in becoming a sponsor of this event, or would like more information, please contact Courtney Palek, Admissions Director at OCMS, at courtneypalek@gmail.com.