As the weather gets cooler, I start thinking about wearing sweaters, making chili and believe it or not, ice skating. I have watched ice skaters on television before but, never knew that this was something I could do too, even with my disability.
A few years ago, I found out about Gliding Stars. Gliding Stars is an adaptive skating program where people with all types of disabilities can get out on the ice and skate! You read that right, they ice skate.  You may ask yourself, how is this possible? The program has adaptive equipment available that allows participants to get out on the ice and have fun, just like anyone else who skates in their spare time.
Even if you don’t have a disability, you can get involved too! There are volunteer opportunities available that allow you to help the participants skate out on the ice. It is also a great way to get exposure, have interaction and build bonds with people you may not otherwise have a chance to meet.
Gliding Stars has chapters in such places like New York, Florida and Ohio.
There are also some great benefits to this program. First, the participants get to experience something they would not otherwise have the opportunity to do. There is also the aspect of getting out and doing something fun. Next, they get to exercise with out really even knowing it! The program also helps with the participant’s social development. At the end of the season (which lasts from 12 to about 26 weeks), an end of the season show is performed, where the participants can show the public what they have learned. This also helps increase their self-esteem because of the sense of accomplishment they feel from reaching their goals in the sport.
What other benefits do these types of programs have for the people involved?
If you want more information about this program, please go to www.glidingstars.org
Thanks for reading…
cr
Like your post.:)