The cinema at Richmond Centre is expected to close some time this year, after city council this week approved a development permit.

The permit -- submitted by the Famous Players cinema's landlord, Richmond Centre -- requested for the mall to convert its second-floor movie theatres into a new food court.

Richmond Centre then intends to use the freed-up food court space to bring in more retail outlets.

According to a Richmond Centre spokesperson, the mall is making the change because the cinema owner, Cineplex Entertainment, decided to close at the location.

Cineplex told the News last week that it had no plans to close.

HOCKEY, NIGHT AND DAY

In celebration of Hockey Day in Canada and in support of Canuck Place Children's Hospice, the South Arm Community Centre's youth group, MOSIAC, will be hosting its fourth annual 24-hour Hockey-thon.

From noon on Friday, Feb. 11 until midnight, Saturday, Feb. 12, Lower Mainland residents of all ages will be participating in a non-stop game of floor hockey in the South Arm gymnasium.

Registration for the event is by donation with each participant securing pledges for their efforts in the 24-hour game.

Proceeds from the pledges will be donated to Canuck Place, to assist children in recovery.

Over the past three events, participants have helped raise over $7,500 and this year MOSIAC has made a goal to raise $3,500.

Participants are encouraged to collect pledges from family, friends, local businesses, and associations.

Each participant will be eligible to win prizes -- including tickets to an upcoming Vancouver Canucks' game -- that will be raffled throughout the 24-hour hockey game.

Registration forms and pledge sheets are available at South Arm Community Centre as well as www.facebook.com/24hourhockeython.

PREMIER PERFORMANCE

The Richmond Youth Dance Company will present their first public performance, First Wings, on Friday, Jan. 28 and Saturday, Jan. 29.

Twenty-one young dancers, from ages nine to 17, will perform for two nights at the Richmond Cultural Centre.

First Wings is the first of several opportunities for the youth in this newly formed company to display their talent and creativity.

Asked why she dances, 14-year-old Lana said, "because I feel like I'm on top of the world."

First Wings presents a variety of dance styles from contemporary to ballet -- they are woven into an imaginative whole by choreographer Claudia Segovia and ballet mistress Miyouki Jego.

The two performances take place at the Richmond Cultural Centre at 7700 Minoru Gate.

Tickets cost $5 and are available in advance or the night of performance, if not sold out, at the Cultural Centre or by calling 604-247-8300.

HIGH (SCHOOL) ART

The Community Arts Council of Richmond will once again host the Richmond Student Art Exhibition Feb. 26 -- March 13 at the Artisan's Galleria, Garden City Shopping Centre.

Richmond residents attending either a Richmond High School or a high school in another area are invited to participate in this, the second exhibition held, showcasing the artistic talent of Richmond high school students.

There are two categories, ages 13-15 and 16-18. Work will be accepted in 2 and 3D mediums and photography. Art teachers are asked to encourage their students to offer submissions, which will then be juried before being accepted.

The exhibition provides the opportunity for emerging youth artists to show their work in a gallery setting and gain exposure.

This event is being held in conjunction with Richmond's Winter Festival of the arts.

You can attend the exhibition free of charge from Feb. 26 to March 13 and from Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.