[Photos provided]
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Since early January, differently abled kids of all ages have been learning to skate and practicing at the Weibel Arena. On Saturday, March 17, the culmination of their hard work will be showcased in an Olympicthemed ice show. Skaters, assisted by volunteers, will demonstrate their newly acquired skills, as well as perform some fancy group footwork. Starting at 2 p.m., the public is invited free of charge to cheer on the skaters and volunteers at the Saratoga Springs Ice Rink’s 30 Weibel Avenue location. Refreshments will follow the show, along with some ‘puppy love’ from area therapy dogs and service dog pups-in-training.
As an annual service project of the Saratoga Springs Lions Club, the Saratoga Adaptive Ice Skating Stars Program brings together differently abled youth with volunteers and expert ice skaters, providing fun and instructional sessions. The program runs January through March on Saturday mornings or afternoons. Ice times vary, according to the city rink’s schedule. Each year the program culminates with a themed grand finale showcasing the newly acquired ice skating skills of
the children. Saratoga Stars is a free program and all skating and assistive equipment is provided.
“This program has helped my child build self-conafidence and independence to do other athletic activities,” says one skater’s parent.
“This program ROCKS!” says one legally blind skater.
For more information about the Saratoga Stars, contact Program Coordinator Mike Stoneback at mstoneba@nycap. rr.com or 518-879-3607. For more information about the Lions Club, visit www.saratogaspringslions.com or their Facebook page: Saratoga Adaptive Ice Skating Stars.
