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The Calumet Colosseum in Calumet, Michigan has served the community for decades. In fact, it’s the oldest indoor ice rink in the world. And, thanks to a contribution from the Keweenaw Health Foundation (KHF), its future remains bright.
The KHF recently partnered with the Calumet Hockey Association (CHA) as the newest sponsor of the Zamboni at the Calumet Colosseum. The KHF’s three-year, $15,000 sponsorship will be used to help offset operational expenses and keep the cost of hockey at a reasonable price. In return for their contribution, the Zamboni now displays logos that read Keweenaw Health Foundation and Aspirus.
“This is an investment in the future for our kids and the livelihood of the community,” said KHF Executive Director Ed Jenich. “We are very proud to support the Colosseum and the many year-round activities it offers.”
The Calumet Colosseum is owned by Calumet Township and serves the community in a variety of ways. It supports all levels of hockey, from youth up through seniors, tournaments, figure skating, family rentals and public skating. The facility is also used by the Calumet High School Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps program and school gym classes, among others.
From October through April, the Colosseum is maintained by the CHA. In the past five years, CHA President Mike Jukuri said they have made $500,000 in necessary infrastructure improvements. Improvements include upgrades to the ice plant, and the installation of new sideboards, glass, and a state-of-the-art lighting system. They also purchased a new scoreboard clock and a new Zamboni.
A majority of the funding for improvements comes from the CHA’s advertising partnerships, such as the display ads you see on the rink’s sideboards. It’s also the generosity of local community partners, like the KHF, that help keep the doors open and the ice time rates affordable.
“We are extremely grateful for the Keweenaw Health Foundation’s partnership and eagerness to support the Calumet Hockey Association and the Calumet Colosseum,” he said. “We feel the Colosseum is one of the focal points of the community and having partners like the Foundation allows us to make improvements for people to enjoy it for years to come.
Keweenaw Health Foundation is a non-profit entity that develops resource opportunities to support the healing mission of Aspirus Keweenaw and the communities it serves. This includes equipment purchases, free health screenings, educational programs and materials, and grants to local organizations to help improve the health and well-being of people in the community.
Pictured: Keweenaw Health Foundation Executive Director Ed Jenich presents a three-year, $15,000 sponsorship to Calumet Hockey Association President Mike Jukuri. The KHF is the newest sponsor of the Zamboni at the Calumet Colosseum. Also pictured are some of the Ice Kings hockey players.