Athletes with disabilities compete at Skating Championships Invitational
Skaters from throughout the State of Illinois glided into the Rolling Meadows Park District's West Meadows Ice Arena on Monday, February 18 to compete in the Skating Championships Invitational. This event, hosted by Northwest Special Recreation Association (NWSRA), provided athletes with disabilities the opportunity to socialize, compete and continue to develop their skills.
NWSRA Senior Manager of Special Recreation JoAnn Snyder stated "This is a fantastic opportunity for skaters with disabilities to continue to develop their skills and compete on a statewide level. We are very excited to work with local partners and organizations to ensure that figure skating is accessible for all."
Skaters achieved new heights in skills and freestyle competitions from beginner to advanced levels. Eight teams participated in the event, with four first time competitors joining the competition. Longtime Chicago Cubs public address announcer Wayne Messmer began the competition by singing the National Anthem.
The event wrapped up with a formal dinner and dance to celebrate and spend time with friends. Throughout the year, skaters hone their skills at the Hoffman Estates Park District's Triphahn Center & Ice Arena. Coach Deb Jenssen stated "For Many skaters, this is their only opportunity to compete and see their fellow skaters. Many friendships have been formed through our skating family in Illinois and the skaters look forward to seeing them every year. As for the coaches, we enjoy seeing all of the skaters grow and perform year after year."
Thank you to the sponsors who made this event possible: FMC Ice Sports, Rolling Meadows Rotary Club, Geppettos Skate Shop, Bentley's Pet Stuff, Crystal Ice House, the Crum Family, the Miller Family, the Bagdonas Family, The Whole Life Center, Debbie Roman, Wagon Wheel Figure Skating Club, Rolling Meadows Park District, Arlington Heights Park District, Fruitful Yield Health Food, Whole Foods, Potbelly, U.S Figure Skating, and Kevin @ KrPhotogs Photography LLC.
NWSRA invites skaters at all ability levels to join and develop their skills. Contact JoAnn Snyder, Northwest Special Recreation Association, 847/392-2848 or jsnyder@nwsra.org for more information.
About NWSRA
Northwest Special Recreation Association (NWSRA) provides outstanding opportunities through recreation for children and adults with disabilities. NWSRA has grown tremendously over its 45 year history. NWSRA provides over 2,000 recreational programs and received more than 15,000 registrations annually. Athletics are very popular at NWSRA, with over 600 athletes competing in 16 sports. NWSRA has received the National Recreation and Park Association Excellence in Inclusion Award, given to one organization throughout the nation that has proven its leadership in the promotion of inclusion and diversity initiatives. NWSRA serves 17 northwest suburban communities, providing day camps, weekly programs, trips, special events, cultural arts and more. For more information on NWSRA, visit www.nwsra.org or contact Brian Selders at 847-392-2848 or e-mail marketing@nwsra.org.