ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) — Dozens of young female ice skaters got the opportunity of a lifetime Thursday afternoon to meet and skate with Olympic Gold Medalist and National Women’s Hockey League All-Star Haley Skarupa.

Before hitting the ice with them, she took the time to speak some words of encouragement to the young crowd. They’ll get the chance to see Skarupa represent Team America and Team World in The Aurora Games August 20th the the 25th at the Times Union Center.

The Aurora Games is the first of its kind, highlighting all-women’s sports; ice hockey, gymnastics and so much more.