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November/December 2019

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44 / NOVEMBER.DECEMBER.2019 USICERINKS.COM by TAYLOR DEAN G ail Schnell does not do anything before assessing the risk associated with every situation. Diagnosed with PTSD and a traumatic brain injury, the 40-year-old veteran doesn't let anything go to chance. However, when she saw an ad for an Adaptive SkateFest in Arlington, Va., Schnell signed up herself, her husband and her children. "I viewed it as a safe and controlled environment with very little risk," she explained. The instructors were dedicated to assisting those with disabilities, making it the perfect opportunity to learn something new as a family. After a thrilling experience, Schnell plans to go skating again with her family in the future after finding it to be a fun and safe family activity. Thanks to a $52,000 grant from the Department of Veterans Affairs, U.S. Figure Skating and Learn to Skate USA have been able to help hundreds of people like Schnell take to the ice and find a new, fun and safe activity to enjoy through a series of five Adaptive SkateFests. The two organizations partnered to bring events to five locations across the country, including Nashville, Ann Arbor, Mich., Coral Springs, Fla., and Colorado Springs, Colo. Each SkateFest was designed with disabled individuals in mind, and tailored to veterans and military families. Christopher Baggenstos and his wife, Anne, brought their four children to the SkateFest in Colorado Springs. The family thoroughly enjoyed the experience Adaptive SkateFests U.S. Figure Skating and Learn to Skate USA Partner to Host Adaptive SkateFests REAL PROGRAMS Adaptive SkateFests welcoming all to the ice PHOTOS: U.S. FIGURE SKATING

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