A Sneak Peek of What’s Coming up from Skate Helper

Hi, it’s Heather from Skate Helper. Want a sneak peek of what’s coming up? I recently went to Chicago to see the Chicago Blackhawks First Stride Program in action and shoot a video….which is coming soon.

First Class Organization

I was so impressed with the Chicago Blackhawks – they truly are an iconic, first-class organization. From the modern design and cleanliness of the Fifth – Third Arena, the innovative and community driven First Stride Program, to the experienced, professional, forward thinking Blackhawks representatives – all I can say is my visit to the Fifth-Third Arena was simply amazing.

The First Stride Program

The First Stride program has been using the Skate Helper as a tool since the arena opened in 2017. Every day, sixty grade 4 and 5 students take part in the program.
First Stride is unlike anything I’ve ever seen. The students arrive on school buses and are treated like VIP’s as soon as they walk in. The locker room is set up with each of their names, they get a t-shirt, gloves and skates all laid out in the cubby ready to go.
After the 40 minute skating session the kids head upstairs to the classroom to do a STEM education program ( Science, Technology, Engineering and Math). The morning I was there the kids were building robots. It was so cool.
Very proud that the Skate Helper is a big part of the First Stride Program. Click here to check it out.

Tour of Fifth- Third Arena and my trip to Chicago….coming soon.

 

Who is Making Ice Skating more Accessible?

Conway Arena

There are many barriers to ice skating whether it’s cost, mobility issues or just being afraid to try it.  For many people ice skating is just something they read about or see when they watch television.  Today, more and more arenas are offering adaptive skating programs. Once such arena is Conway Arena in New Hampshire where the Adaptive Adults Skating Program uses the skate helpers regularly.

First Stride Program

The Chicago Blackhawks introduced their First Stride program two years ago and the results have been amazing.  Their goal is to offer every school within a two-mile radius of the Fifth Third Arena the chance to come and learn how to skate and also learn in the classroom about S.T.E.M ( Science, Technology, Engineering and Math).  Over 113,000 kids go through the program every year.  For many families skating and hockey is just not available or affordable. The Blackhawks offer skate helpers to those kids who may feel scared their first time on the ice.

The Adaptive Sports Program at Franciscan Children’s

This program provides children with special needs the opportunity to participate in sports and active recreation in a fun and safe environment. The Program promotes the learning of new skills, social opportunities and moderate to vigorous physical activity to maintain and improve health and fitness. The program takes place at the Boston Bruins Warrior Ice Arena in Brighton, MA.

Lern more about this adaptive sports program by watching here: