Don’t be surprised if you see a man, escorted by motorcyclists, skating down Beaufort County roadways this morning.
Norman Stocks started his tri-county trek two days ago, but was deterred by rain at the Beaufort County–Martin County line. It is a fundraiser for His & Ours Skating Rink, a nonprofit entertainment venue in Robersonville.
Stocks opened the rink about a year ago. People may skate to Christian bands and gospel music. The rink also has an arcade, fitness room, tennis and roller hockey.
He has a food drive every Tuesday and holds fundraisers for people in the community. A recent fundraiser benefited a Beaufort County girl hurt in a wreck. This time, the fundraiser is to keep his rink’s doors open.
Stocks set a goal of $20,000, accepting cash and pledges along the way. The Resurrection Riders will escort him today.
The route will take him from Williamston down Fire Department Road, which later becomes Thoroughfare Road. He will travel down Market Street Extension to the offices of the Washington Daily News before heading to Greenville.
Stocks said he chose his route based on the support he had received in the first year of operations. Members of several Beaufort County and Pitt County churches frequent the skating rink, and local acts have taken the stage at His & Ours, as well. It isn’t often you hear of a rink that operates for the sole purpose of giving area children and youth groups a safe place to go. This nonprofit deserves more than a year to build a presence in the community.
His & Ours Skating Rink is located at 206 E. Academy St. in Robersonville. To support the His & Ours Skating Rink, contact Stocks at 795-3299 or find it on Facebook.