Ruggiero, along with four other Olympians, work to inspire young athletes

During a four-day trip around Michigan earlier this month, five female Olympic athletes shared their inspirational messages with kids across the state.

The “Sharing the Dream” tour featured Olympians Angelo Ruggiero (hockey), Sheila Taormina (pentathlete), Shannon Miller (gymnastics), and weightlifters Cheryl Hayworth and Natalie Wolfolk.

The Olympians spoke to standing room only crowds and shared their personal journeys and their passion to succeed.

The tour kicked off in Trenton on November 2, and then moved on to Livonia and concluded with a trip north of the Mackinaw Bridge to Houghton.

Photo by Ryan Doherty

Angela Ruggiero (top left, above) and four other female Olympic athletes were part of the “Sharing the Dream” tour that made stops in Trenton, Livonia and Houghton in early November.

Each stop featured workshops hosted by the athletes, and Ruggiero, a native of Harper Woods, held her Livonia on-ice clinic at Eddie Edgar Arena.

“It was a great weekend,” said the three-time Olympic medalist. “We were able to talk to the kids, do our demonstrations and I thought it was great to get some one-on-one time with all of the hockey players.”

Ruggiero, who first played hockey in California, stills remembers how cool it was when she met the L.A. Kings Marty McSorley at one of her banquets.

“I was nine years old and he was kind enough to give me his autograph and take a picture, and I just remember how big of a deal that was for me,” explained Ruggiero.

The Olympians talked about how hard they worked to get where they are today, and when Ruggiero finished her session she pulled out a surprise.

“The kids always get a kick out of seeing my medals,” said Ruggiero, who let the kids hold them and talked about the importance of positive thinking.

“It doesn’t matter how big or small you are, we all struggle through life, but it’s positive people who will help you achieve your goals,” she said.

In her first trip to the Upper Peninsula, Ruggiero learned that the first-ever pro hockey game was played in Houghton and that the town includes a lot of girls that play.

 “It’s nice to know that so many girls really care about the game and love it this much,” she said.

Ruggiero expects to do the tour again next season.

“We know how important it is to the kids to spend time with them and make sure they know how much we care about them,” said Ruggiero. “When I have kids telling me that they want to be like me and play hockey in the Olympics, that’s pretty priceless.” 

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