Blue Cross RiverRink Continues Sled Skating for Children and Adults With Disabilities

Only Public Ice Skating Rink in Region to Offer Program


PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 8, 2002 (PRIMEZONE) -- The Blue Cross RiverRink is offering the chance of a lifetime for children with physical disabilities to fulfill a dream of getting involved in winter sports! In a unique partnership with Variety Club of the Delaware Valley launched in December of 2001, sled skating will return 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 will be available on Saturday mornings from 9:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. on December 14th and throughout the months of January and February through Saturday, March 8, 2003. Through the generosity of Pennoni Associates, Penn's Landing Corporation will have four sleds and sets of protective equipment available for public use. The Blue Cross RiverRink staff has been specifically trained to assist guests with the sled skates. Both novice and experienced sled skaters will be able to skate at the Blue Cross RiverRink during the sessions. "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.

Developed in Scandinavia, skaters sit on a specially designed sled equipped with regulation skate blades. Sled skaters can 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. In addition to being a fun wintertime activity at the Blue Cross RiverRink, sled skating also offers participants the health benefits of increasing their strength and improving their balance and coordination.

Mr. Dominic Sabatini, President of Penn's Landing Corporation, first became aware of sled skating in 2001 during a special Opening Weekend skating session that was dedicated to Variety Club of the Delaware Valley. Mike Doyle, considered the "pied piper" of sled hockey, brought a group of youth from two local sled hockey teams to demonstrate the use of these skating sleds and introduce the activity to Variety Club kids who had never skated on ice. It was so heartwarming to see the joy on the children's faces, that Mr. Sabatini was inspired to provide this activity at the Blue Cross RiverRink on a regular basis. "Working with John Dougherty, President of the Variety Club, I had the opportunity to observe young people use sled skates for the first time. It was fantastic! The children seemed to be overjoyed by the opportunity to ice skate on these sleds. And after hearing the laughter and words of appreciation from the children and their parents, both John and I were determined to make this an ongoing activity and annual program at the Blue Cross RiverRink!"

Sled skating enthusiasts interested in team membership can join any of the three established sled hockey junior programs in the Atlantic district, which includes Eastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware. There is so much excitement about this new sport/physical activity that the Pennsylvania Center for Adaptive Sport is also starting a team. Mike Doyle, who will coach sled hockey practice sessions at the Blue Cross RiverRink this season, has been involved in the sport of sled hockey since 1996. Doyle is the Atlantic district representative for the U.S. Sled Hockey Association and he is the Atlantic District representative for the United States Sled Hockey Association. Doyle played on the national skate hockey team from 1997 until 2001 and hopes to play on the national team again after the 2002 Paralympics.

Sled skating sessions are offered every Saturday (except holidays) through the end of the Blue Cross RiverRink season. The dates are: December 14th, January 4th, January 11th, January 18th, January 25th, February 1st, February 8th, February 15th, February 22nd, March 1st, and March 8th. 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.

In addition to the sled skating program, the Blue Cross RiverRink and the Variety Club have also partnered as sponsors of the new "TREE OF LOVE" campaign created to raise awareness as well as funds for special Variety Club activities and programs that benefit children with disabilities.

The Blue Cross RiverRink is sponsored by Independence Blue Cross. Other sponsors include: PNC Bank, and Philadelphia -- the place that LOVES YOU BACK.

For more information about skating times, lessons, birthday parties or private receptions at the Blue Cross RiverRink, please call 215.925.RINK or visit www.riverrink.com.



            

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