HELENA – Even with ice, time, and equipment, starting hockey or figure skating can be difficult.
It’s even more difficult for people with disabilities.
The Montana Independent Living Project in Helena hopes to change that.
While always looking for new ideas to help people be active in the community, especially during the winter, the MILP recently received a grant to purchase 18 skating sleds to create an adaptive ice skating program free for anyone who wants some ice time.
“The goal is to have people come out and either participate in an athletic competition or come out with their families and bring their whole family out and spend time on the ice together,” said MILP’s advocacy coordinator Joel Peden. “Everybody that’s gotten in the sleds has come off the ice with a big smile on their face.”
One end goal is to start a couple of sled hockey teams with one for veterans.
MILP is still waiting on their ordered sleds and equipment to arrive, but programs should start in August.
They received an early assist and some sleds from Eagle Mount Great Falls, which has a similar program.
For more information about the Montana Independent Living Project and details about the new hockey and skating programs, click here.
-Reported by Andrew Curtis/MTN News
