UTICA, N.Y. – The Save of the Day Foundation announced a new adaptive skating program for children ages 2 through 16 years at the Adirondack Bank Center. The program is made possible through a grant from the Save of the Day Foundation.
On Sunday, September 23 at 4 p.m., parents and children interested in learning more about the Adaptive Skating Program are invited to Come Skate with Us! At this open session, Courtney Gouger, a speech-language pathologist as well as a former competitive figure skater, will discuss the program and answer parents’ questions. Topics to include: introducing children to adaptive ice skating, specialized equipment available to accommodate skaters of different needs, schedule of ice time and other topics of interest to parents.
Children attending who have their own skates already will be given an opportunity to try skating that day. Anyone interested in volunteering with the program is also invited to attend.
The Adaptive Skating Program has been a dream of Courtney Gouger’s who wanted to combine her passion for children with special needs with her passion for figure skating. The SOD Foundation Board of Directors made the decision to provide the initial grant of $5,000 to establish to new ice skating opportunities for children of all abilities in the Mohawk Valley.
“The program will focus on promoting successful skating experiences for children with special needs, including children who are non-ambulatory, through assistance from a team of coaches, on ice volunteers, and use of appropriate adaptive equipment as needed,” said Courtney Gouger. “It also aims to foster acceptance, inclusion, and social relationships with others in the community.”
The Save of the Day Foundation is committed to enhancing the quality of life for children and families in the Mohawk Valley. According to Colleen Cianfrocco, CEO of the Foundation, “the Foundation Board welcomed this opportunity to provide a skating experience for children who may otherwise not have this chance to do what their typical peers do. The Foundation supports opportunities for children that can be life changing and ice skating is definitely one such experience.”
This open session is free and open to parents of children with differing abilities as well as those interested in volunteering. Please contact Colleen Cianfrocco at colleen.cianfrocco@uticacomets.com.