Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/1350211
PHOTOS: U.S. FIGURE SKATING REAL PROGRAMS Successful programs to consider adopting REAL PROGRAMS Adaptive Skating S I WALKED INTO MY RINK IN ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN, rink seven years ago, I assumed I was headed for just another Saturday morning Learn to Skate USA class. I had no idea how my life was about to change. On this particular Saturday morning, I met a young skater named Grace who would challenge how I thought about coaching, open my eyes to unknown pos- sibilities in skating and remind me of the pure joy of skating. Grace is on the autism spectrum. She spent many mornings in the stands watch- ing her younger brother learn to skate. On the morning I met her, she convinced her mother to register her for classes. Having tried other sports with varying success, the family wasn't sure what to expect. They were nervous about how Grace would do in a group environment as well as whether the other skaters in the group would welcome her. As Grace took the ice for the first time, she displayed some nerves as many first- time skaters do, but it wasn't long before Grace found herself marching and gliding across the ice. While she achieved more success that day, her smile got wider and wider. She was exuding a sense of pride and pure joy that I hadn't seen in many years teaching learn to skate classes. Everyone in the group felt her infec- tious enthusiasm. Not only did the other skaters in the group accept Grace, they embraced her, and allowed her larger than life personality to lift the excitement of the group. I will never forget the moment when I looked up into the stands and found Grace's mom, who had tears of joy streaming down her face as her daughter had finally found a place to belong and feel successful working at her own pace. Suddenly that Saturday morning felt like one of those important and pivotal moments where you realize you can make an impact. Grace has since gone on to represent the United States at the Special Olympics World pre-Games in Austria and will 36 / MARCH.APRIL.2021 USICERINKS.COM by MARY JOHANSON All Abilities Welcome Adaptive Skating provides opportunities for all on the ice in Ann Arbor, Michigan A