NEW YORK -- As Michelle Kwan chats with members of Figure Skating in Harlem, she sees a whole lot of herself in the young girls. And those girls hope to emulate Kwan. The nine-time U.S. champion and five-time world winner has been active with the inner-city club almost since its inception in 1997. She was honoured Monday night at the FSH gala for inspiring the hundreds of young girls who have been in the program. "Michelle is the perfect role model for our students with the way she conducts herself as a person, as an athlete, as an employee of the state department," FSH founder Sharon Cohen said. "Her career and life show where hard work and perseverance and talent can take you." Kwan, a two-time Olympic medallist , now serves as a senior adviser for public diplomacy and public affairs and as an envoy at the Department of State. Her husband, Clay Pell, is running for governor of Rhode Island. Kwans success in and out of sports didnt come easily, and she can recall times when she was in a similar situation to some of FSHs students. She received grants from U.S. Figure Skating and from the Womens Sports Foundation during her formative years as a skater -- at a time when Kwan and older sister Karen werent sure they could continue in the sport. "These underserved young girls get an opportunity to skate they otherwise might not have," Kwan said. "My personal background, both Karen and myself ... our parents were not well off. To be able to afford a used pair of skates and hand-me-downs in costumes and other stuff, I remember that vividly. "Imagine if one of those times you have to tell your kids, We cant afford it. I can relate to that. "And these young girls benefit so much. It really is about the skills you learn from sports. Physical activity, being with friends, teamwork, but also the discipline it takes, the hours of dedication, being able to concentrate on one thing at a time. You have to learn in life how to juggle things; being a student-athlete is the same as in life." Kwan began her day with a visit to Haverstraw Elementary, a school in suburban Rockland County, where she spoke to fifth graders who just happened to be studying her career. She stressed the importance of opportunity, education and empowerment -- all themes Figure Skating in Harlem embraces. Then Kwan headed to Wolman Rink in Central Park, where dozens of her peers were on hand to not only honour her, but to skate with the youngsters aged 6 to 18 who make up FSHs roster. Olympic medallists Scott Hamilton, Sasha Cohen, Tim Goebel, Paul Wylie, Gracie Gold, Ashley Wagner, Jason Brown and Jeremy Abbott showed up to support Kwan and Figure Skating in Harlem. "Our students learn through the education programs and our skating program of the importance of working hard and asking for help when you need it," Cohen said. "They see the changes in themselves that this leads to, in their confidence and in their abilities to achieve their goals. "Someone like Michelle gives them an incentive to work hard because they see the rewards, the personal rewards, that Michelle embodies. She exudes sportsmanship and grace and an inner drive, as well as outer success. Michelle worked to be the best she can be in all aspects, and anybody can learn from that. She carries herself with such assurance and grace. Those are traits that will help anyone succeed in this world." Fake Nike NFL Jerseys . Hamelin overcame a weak start to win bronze in the 500-metre race behind winner Wu Dajing of China and American J.R. Celski on Saturday at the world short track speed skating championship. NFL Jerseys China . Louis against the Blues. 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Wholesale NFL Jerseys China . -- The Phoenix Coyotes have won three in a row for the first time in 4 1/2 months, and theyve done it just in time for the stretch run to the playoffs.PEORIA, Ariz. - Seattle Mariners pitcher Hisashi Iwakuma will not throw for four to six weeks because of an injury to the middle finger of his right hand. Iwakuma reported for his physical Wednesday at Mariners spring training headquarters and had a splint over the finger. Hes been diagnosed with a strained tendon and will be re-examined by a hand specialist in Arizona in three weeks. The injury isnt expected to require surgery, at least for now, but hes likely out for all of spring training. Iwakuma said his finger got caught as he tried to retrieve a ball in some netting while working out in Southern California on Jan. 20. "I knew it was injured. I didnt think it was a major thing," Iwakuma said through team translator Antony Suzuki. "I rested my finger for about a week and started playing catch again, long toss. I thoughht it was good but then the pain didnt go away.ddddddddddddquot; Along with ace Felix Hernandez, Iwakuma has given Seattle a formidable duo at the top of its starting rotation. He went 14-6 with a 2.66 ERA and 185 strikeouts in 2013. "Luckily, this does not appear to be a serious injury," Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik said in a statement. "It is a setback for Kuma, but we are confident that he will quickly overcome the missed time and be able to rejoin our rotation early in the regular season." Iwakuma said he wants to be ready for the season but isnt sure it will happen. "To be honest, very disappointed with what happened," Iwakuma said. "We have to go from here on. I look forward to helping the team in any way and I look forward to coming back as soon as possible, too." ' ' '