PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 16, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Variety -- The Children's Charity of Greater Philadelphia has been providing programs and services for children with disabilities in the region since 1935. Variety's goal is to empower its children to live life as a participant, not as a spectator. One way it makes this possible is through its partnership with the Blue Cross River Rink, which provides private skating sessions for children with disabilities.
Children with physical disabilities are given the opportunity to skate using modified sleds. Developed in Scandinavia, skaters with lower limb disabilities 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. They control the sled skate by propelling themselves along the ice.
Children with developmental disabilities are given a private session where the ice is open only to them. This allows them to skate in private sessions with parents and/or instructors. These children can enjoy skating without distractions or crowds in a safe environment.
"This is a wonderful opportunity for our children," said Andrew Pack, Executive Director of Variety. "Through Penn's Landing Corp. we can expand our services, specifically our sports initiatives, and provide our children with a unique activity that they otherwise would not be able to participate in."
WHO? Variety, its children with disabilities, and the Blue Cross
Rink
WHAT? Private skating sessions for children with physical and
developmental disabilities
WHERE? Blue Cross River Rink (Columbus Blvd. at Market Street)
WHEN? Sundays: December 11th and 19th, January 8th, 15th, 22nd, and
29th. (Make-up dates: February 5th and 12th)
WHY? To provide a fun and safe recreational activity to children
with disabilities. The Blue Cross River Rink is the only
facility in the country that provides this unique opportunity.
-- Variety - The Children's Charity recently changed its name from
Variety Club.
The Blue Cross RiverRink logo is available at: http://media.primezone.com/prs/single/?pkgid=354