10News honors Mark Tiscareno who is an ice skating coach for children in the Special Olympics program.

Thirty years ago Marilyn Cooper founded the Special Olympics ice skating program. With the exception of skates and costumes the program is completely cost free to the participants. The ice time and coaching are all donated and the skaters’ entry fees for competitions are covered by the Special Olympics. Mark has been a volunteer coach for the past ten years. He coaches anywhere from 3-10 students at a time and always does it with a smile and genuine sense of caring. Whenever free ice time is available Mark is there to coach his skaters and he devotes entire weekends to them for competitions.

Mark has helped young skaters like Allison Pruss become graceful, confident and enthusiastic individuals on and off the ice. Under the coaching of Mark, Allison has won numerous gold and silver medals and has progressed to the point where she can enter an international competition next year in Boise, Idaho.

Mark is an inspiration and mentor for these talented children and young adults. He continues to be there for his skaters as a coach and as their biggest fan.