Blue Cross RiverRink Continues Sled Skating for Children and Adults with Disabilities; Only Public Ice Skating Rink in Region to Offer Program


PHILADELPHIA, Pa., Dec. 15, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- Once again, the Blue Cross RiverRink is offering the one-of-a-kind winter sports opportunity for children with physical disabilities - sled skating! In a unique partnership with Variety Club of the Delaware Valley begun in December of 2001, sled skating has returned to the Olympic-sized Blue Cross RiverRink located at Festival Pier at Penn's Landing, Columbus Boulevard and Spring Streets along the Delaware River.

The Blue Cross RiverRink is the only public skating facility in the region to offer sled skating sessions for the physically challenged. Special sled skating sessions are available on Saturday mornings from 9:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m., with beginners in the first hour. The Blue Cross RiverRink staff has been specifically trained to assist guests with the sled skates. "We want every child to experience the fun and excitement of ice skating at the Blue Cross RiverRink," shared Mr. Dominic Sabatini, President of Penn's Landing Corporation.

Cherie Malone, Rink Manager who has been ice skating for 30 years, feels a personal reward every time she watches another child have the thrill of sled skating. "It's incredible to experience sled skating with the children," she said. "So many people take the ability to ice skate for granted. The feelings are indescribable when watching a child get out on the ice for the first time. For most of these kids, they never thought they would have such a fantastic opportunity."

Penn's Landing Sled Skating Release

The 10:30 a.m. skating sessions are organized by Mike Doyle, considered the "pied piper" of sled hockey. Usually the more experienced sled skaters use the RiverRink at that time, but anyone is welcome. According to Doyle, the more people who can sled skate, the better!

Developed in Scandinavia, skaters sit on a specially designed sled equipped with regulation skate blades. Sled skaters use two "grip sticks" with metal-spiked tips to propel themselves along the ice, or skaters can be assisted by someone who pushes the skater on the ice with the aid of a handlebar attached to the back of the sled.

Sled skating sessions are offered every Saturday (except during the holiday season - December 27 and January 3) through the end of the Blue Cross RiverRink season. The cost is $5.00 for each session, which includes the price of skating admission and sled rentals. Reservations for the sessions are required and can be made by calling 215.925.RINK.

Celebrating its 10th Anniversary season, Penn's Landing Corporation developed the RiverRink in 1993 to make the waterfront a year-round entertainment destination. Each year the popularity increases and now more than 150,000 guests enjoy the Blue Cross RiverRink each year.

Independence Blue Cross is the title sponsor of the Blue Cross RiverRink. Other Sponsors include: PNC Bank, Pepsi, Deer Park Water, NBC 10 and Philadelphia - the place that LOVES YOU BACK.

The Rink is available for birthday parties, corporate parties and private rentals. Skating lessons and group outings are also available. For more information, call 215.925.RINK or visit www.riverink.com.

The Blue Cross River Rink logo is available at: http://media.primezone.com/prs/single/?pkgid=354.



            

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