SPECIAL NEEDS ICE HOCKEY
The first – and only – special needs ice
hockey program in
Throughout Canada and in many
of the states, there are hockey programs for young people who have developmental
handicaps from autism, retardation, seizures or other causes. The only special needs ice hockey program
in
Ask the kids what they like,
and the first answer is, “The team.” They call themselves “The California Condors.”
They are getting ready to participate in a special needs tournament this fall
in Utah. The group is open to all disabilities, all ages, male or female and
all levels of skills – including those who have never skated before. On ice,
all are equal.
The general public is
familiar with the Special Olympics, but hockey is not part of that program. The
program in Panorama City is the brainchild of Rita Eagle, whose son was able to
play hockey when the family lived in Toronto. Her goal is to encourage these
young people to have fun and learn skills and teamwork in a safe environment.
Why bother with hockey, when
other sports are available to special needs people? Hockey requires skills not
used in other sports – skating being the most obvious. Some unusual benefits come from moving on
skates. One young Condor player has had difficulty walking, due to cerebral
palsy. But on ice, he has found a
remarkable freedom of movement.
The NHL Players Association
has generously donated equipment that is distributed through H.E.L.P., a
non-profit set up to provide hockey equipment to families who cannot afford it.
The rest is up to the players, to their
enthusiasm and joy in the sport.
Contact: Jocelyn Langlois,
General Manager,
j.langlois@valleyicecenter.com Tel:
818-893-1784
Rita Eagle, Parent Liaison Ritaeagle@yahoo.comTel: 310-490-1504
See the