Gliding Stars' skaters enter the ice rink to show off their skills!
It’s that time of year again to hit the slopes, go sledding or even try something new like ice skating! Located in Erie, Pennsylvania, Gliding Stars offers adaptive ice skating to people of all ages and disabilities. The organization was founded about 11 years ago by Elizabeth O’Donnell, an accomplished figure skater who wanted to use her talents by providing an extensive adaptive ice skating program. Today, with 85 members from the age of 3 to 50 plus, and 75 specially-trained volunteers, the organization coaches people with disabilities to live well by strengthening their minds and bodies through physical activities and socialization. Gliding Stars welcomes people with any type of disability, and participants do not need experience on the ice.
Since it’s a winter sport, the organization offers on-ice lessons starting in September. The lessons can run from 12 to 26 weeks, depending on the individual’s goals. Typically, lessons begin with a free skate, and then the Gliding Stars’ volunteers put the skaters into groups based on their skills and the activities they’ll be doing.
Gliding Stars provides aids such as walkers, sling seats and wheelchairs depending on the person’s disability. For example, there are three types of walkers offered, and they come in a variety of sizes. One type of walker assists beginners or people with disabilities with stability and balance on the ice. Another type of walker is used for people with Cerebral Palsy or Spina Bifida. The equipment helps a person bear weight for a limited amount of time and assists the person in maintaining proper skating posture. The third model is for skaters with disabilities who have limited or no ability to bear weight. Skaters are supported by a sling seat with adjustable straps, which assists them while on the ice.
Ice skaters smile as they perform for the crowd.
According to Linda Althof, a coordinator for Gilding Stars, the program has helped strengthen the minds and bodies of many individuals. She remembered one specific person who had trouble walking, but after going through the program, the person was able to walk longer distances and move her legs more easily because of the physical activity.
Through teamwork and motivation, each skater gains the courage and positive reinforcement to accomplish their goals. At the end of the season, Gliding Stars hosts a choreographed ice show, which allows the skaters to show off their skills, and raise money for the program.
The adaptive ice skating program costs $135. The cost includes ice time and the specialized equipment. Gliding Stars invites interested participants to sign up until the end of December. For additional information about Gliding Stars or how to sign up, visit their website http://www.glidingstars.org/ or call Linda Althof at (814) 825 – 5555.