Skip to main content

US Paralympic Sled Hockey Team

Athletes sit in a sled balancing on two blades.

Last Saturday, we saw the U.S. Paralympic Sled Hockey Team practice at a nearby ice rink. Afterward, we ate dinner with them and were able to ask questions about their training schedule, at what age they got involved with hockey and if being on the team was a full-time gig.

Watching these athletes practice was amazing. To overcome whatever they experienced in life to be on this team and be in the physical shape to move their bodies and equipment was a lot for me to comprehend. These young men exemplify the idea that all people have the ability to forge ahead no matter what conflict they have faced. A good lesson for most of us to learn. I felt privileged to be a part of this event, being able to sit with these athletes, allowing us to enter their very special world.

Children and adults with special needs were able to try out the sleds. The team members taught them how to move and shoot. One precocious little girl bragged that she pushed three people over and made seven goals. She also sat at the head of the team's table at dinner time. At 8 years old, she already seems to have what it takes to overcome her challenges and forge ahead.

Note the red patch on his back, RESPECT.

They move their sleds quickly using short hockey sticks. One end of the stick has spikes for pushing on the ice and the other end is like a typical hockey stick. The flip back and forth happened so fast, I did not even notice.

The sleds sit on a double blade. The athlete balances while using the sticks to move swiftly across the ice.

The person on the left is a child trying out this sport.

Here's the little girl I mentioned, ready to knock people down to make those seven goals.
Labels:

Comments

  1. AnonymousFebruary 12, 2011 at 10:44 AM

    The US Paraolympic Team is indeed a terrific group of athletes. Their most endearing quality is the way they WELCOMED all of their guests on the ice and took the time to make sure the kids had fun! They are true ambassadors for their chosen sport. They in turn were so happy that they could mentor.

    Thanks for visiting us and we do hope to see your child on the ice at the next clinic!!!

    Moe

    ReplyDelete
  2. VMIFebruary 13, 2011 at 12:08 AM

    Hi Moe -
    Thanks for visiting the site and Ben will be on the ice next year.
    Vanessa

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Thank you for reading my post. I appreciate you taking the time to comment. If you wish to contact me directly, please let me know and I will email you.

Popular posts from this blog

Parenting an Adult Child with Disabilities

  "Parenting an Adult Child with Disabilities" is a series on eSpeciallyBen. As Ben approached 18, it was clear our role changed as parents. We needed to help Ben transition into adulthood. These stories are meant to assist other families who face, or will face, some of the same challenges. Talking About the Future Guest Post - Matt Wilson Legal Guardianship, Medicaid and SSI Researching Group Homes Questions to Ask at a Group Home Visit Referral Packet for Group Homes Getting Assistance from a Care Manager From Group Home Placement to Discharge Reaching for Independence
1 comment
Read more

He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother

After my post, Brotherly Love , I received an email from a reader who reminded me of this song. I knew the song, but had never really thought about the words and the meaning behind them. I looked it up and thought others might see the lyrics in a new light.   He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother The road is long With many a winding turn That leads us to who knows where Who knows when But I'm strong Strong enough to carry him He ain't heavy, he's my brother. So on we go His welfare is of my concern No burden is he to bear We'll get there For I know He would not encumber me If I'm laden at all I'm laden with sadness That everyone's heart Isn't filled with the gladness Of love for one another. It's a long, long road From which there is no return While we're on the way to there Why not share And the load Doesn't weigh me down at all He ain't heavy, he's my brother. He's my brother He ain't h
1 comment
Read more

Make this Race Amazing

Mecklenburg County's Therapeutic Recreation's Amazing Race is Saturday, March 24, 2012. All funds raised go directly to the scholarship fund for summer camp. Summer Camp is 8 weeks long with over 150 children with special needs participating. Last year, over $6,500 was given away in scholarships. In times of budget cuts and loss of resources, Amazing Race is a creative way for the staff to raise money for the children who may need financial assistance attending camp. I will be posting photos from 2011 camp. I am only posting photos that do not show faces of the children, but you will get the idea about how much they enjoy the activities. You don't have to see their smiles, you just have to feel them. The staff have sent me their thoughts on how they feel about camp and I will be posting those as well. Most are trained as recreational therapists and have devoted their life's work to helping children and adults with special needs learn skills, make friends, de
Post a Comment
Read more