The Skate World team is always looking for ways to better impact our community, whether that means giving parents a wifi-equipped work environment where they can watch their kids have fun, or digging into community donations by offering birthday parties and no-cost fundraisers to Lakeland organizations. But none of it would be possible if Chanel Bellotto hadn’t picked up her father’s mantel, dedicating herself to making every person in Lakeland part of the Skate World family.
History of Skate World
Chanel is a 3rd generation skating rink operator, following in the footsteps of her father and grandfather, who made Skate World what it is today. When her father, Adonis Dedes, passed away, Chanel resigned her position at Florida Southern College, as Director of External Relations, to manage the rink for a few short months, but she soon realized what an incredible impact the rink had on the kids of Lakeland. Prior to the move, she had her first taste in leadership in Washington, DC. When she took over her father’s legacy, she threw herself into renovations, giving kids a fresh, fun, clean, and kid-friendly place to play with the new FAST floor system. Since that first renovation, Chanel has transformed the rink, from simple changes like new carpet and skates to big additions like the VIP Party Room and Skate World’s brand new technology bar.
The Skate World Way of Life
Skate World isn’t just a way for preteens to kill a few hours. It’s a community staple that has been encouraging and supporting local kids for 40 years. From summer camps to winter festivals, $2 Tuesday to Thursday Skate and Donate, our skating center gives kids and teens a safe place to play. Adonis Dedes was a second father to many in the Lakeland community, giving kids everything from an encouraging word to a free lunch. He liked to get in on the fun, embarrassing kids with a loud rendition of Happy Birthday while they celebrated, or even smearing cake on the faces of the kids he’d known for years! Chanel took his lessons to heart, continuing his legacy of showing the kids love, fun, and respect every day. Her boys, Trey (5) and Jackson (3) are staples at the rink, celebrating every birthday at Skate World, just like Chanel did as a kid. She’s thrown herself into touching the community, continually implementing new programs like STEM to help local kids. This year, she’s broadened her progressive approach, helping the greater skating community improve their rinks through her role as President of Section 13. Catch her at the RSA show in May!
From our family-friendly environment to the monetary donations we pour out on the community each year, Skate World is proud to say that Lakeland is better off with us. But the rink wouldn’t be what it is today without the support of our amazing staff, the people of Lakeland, and the leadership we have in Chanel. Thank you for striving to improve Skate World every single day!
