The Magic of Kites
Expect to see every kind of kite in the sky at Wheaton Park District's Forth Annual “Go Fly a Kite!” Simple paper-diamond kites. Giant animal-shaped kites. Kites that require multiple lines. Kites that flip, dive and twirl in a ballet of perfect synchronicity. At last year's grand launch, over 800 kites took to the air at the same time, breaking a local record.
“People are stopped in their tracks by the sight,” says Amy Doran four-time National Kite Flying Champion. “Flying kites is like a dance. Everything you do with your body is reflected in the kite. Kite people say we put our hearts out on the line.”
Amy was 45 years old when she started flying. Her son, Connor, started a little younger. He was only 13. But he's already gone national. In 2010, he was one of the top 12 contestants on “America's Got Talent!”
“The first time he worked with a Cody kite, Connor literally blistered his hands keeping it in the air.”
The Cody kite was invented at the turn of the twentieth century by Samuel Cody who designed a box-kite with wings for extra lift. Joining several kites together created enough lift to raise a basket carrying a man into the air. This kite system was later adopted by the British Military for reconnaissance before the First World War
But history isn't Connor's favorite part of kiting. The here and now is what he loves.
“I've had epilepsy since I was four years old.” Connor's speaking voice is mild. He hesitates, considering exactly what word he wants. “Had lots of difficulties. I'm on seizure medications. But I've never had a seizure when I fly. I forget school problems, everything. I'm just there.”
Amy and Connor will both be there on Saturday April 21, at Graf Park in Wheaton, to perform some of their amazing kite demonstrations, together with their friends from the Chicago Fire Kite Team. Chicago Fire are best known for dual-line, team formation kites. “We're really excited to join them. Chicago Fire is an amazing group.”
Chicago Fire and Connor Doran both fly a type of stunt kite known as a Revolution kite.
“Revolution kites,” Amy explains, “are four-line sport kites. They are very controllable. You can move them forward, reverse. You can fly them indoors with no wind at all.”
The Dorans often practice and compete by flying their kites indoors. One of Connor's most amazing indoor demonstrations occurred in his high school gym. After years of being bullied for differences created by his epilepsy, Connor's peers suddenly saw him in a whole new way, when he showed what he could do with a few strings and a kite.
“I actually was really nervous,” Connor recalled. “But it was amazing.”
That transformation, and how much it meant to him, was part of the inspiration for Connor and his mom to start the Dare To Dream Team, an organization that raises funds for the National Epilepsy Foundation, in addition to educating the public about bullying. Another part was seeing how kids all over the world reacted to Connor's story.
“We've had hundreds, thousands of emails from all over. We're so honored to reach out and do these events,” Amy says. “Flying kites starts as such a simple thing, but it becomes a way to connect.”
Amy feels those lines of connection run to more than a mere kite. People all over the world have responded to their story and the sight of their kites in action. How does she explain the excitement of fans as far away as Germany and Japan?
“Everything comes though when you fly. It's kind of magical.”
Watch Amy and Connor Doran and the Chicago Fire Kite Team take to the air, on Saturday, April 21st at Wheaton's Graf Park. The event begins at 10am with the Grand Launch at 11:30. Kite making demonstrations, games and concessions will be offered. “Gift of Wings,” a specialty kite shop, will be on hand to sell kites while supplies last.
For more on Wheaton Park District's “Go Fly a Kite!” Event, visit www.wheatonparkdistrict.com.