HELENA – With ice time and equipment, getting started in hockey or figure skating is hard to do.
And even more difficult for the disabled.
But the Montana Independent Living Project in Helena is hoping to change that.
Always looking for new ideas to help people get out and active in the community, especially in the winter, the MILP recently received a grant to purchase 18 of these skating sleds, to create an adaptive ice skating program in the capital city free for anyone who wants to get in a little 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 and spend time on the ice together,” said Montana Independent Living Projects advocacy coordinator Joel Peden. “Everybody that’s gotten in the sleds has come off the ice with a big smile on their face.”
One of their end goals is to start a couple of sled hockey teams, one for veterans.
Now MILP is still waiting on their ordered sleds and equipment to arrive, programs should start up in August.
Until then they have received an early assist from Eagle Mount Great Falls who have a similar program and lent some sleds.
For more information on all that the Montana Independent Living Project does and contact info on the new hockey and skating programs click here.
