Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/599904
32 / NOVEMBER.DECEMBER.2015 RINKMAGAZINE.COM time volunteer instructors, each with their own students. "These children are teaching other chil- dren how to skate and, more importantly, are teaching them social skills as well," says Wylie. "It's really special to see." O'Neill notes that the impact left on the instructors is something they often carry with them through life. "I knew offering this would have a benefit for the kids [in the program] and for the parents, too. …But what I hadn't thought of was the benefit it would have for our instructors and volunteers," says O'Neill. "Starting [an apprenticeship] so young, many of them over the years have gone on to careers in therapeutic fields or social work because they've seen how using something they know so well can have a positive impact on other people's lives." Thanks to SkateTherapy and STARskaters, Wylie and O'Neill have left an impact on their students' lives, too. The success stories of former SkateTherapy and sled hockey students are endless. Some of their alumni became U.S. National Team players, and many others have felt their confidence soar through the roof. "I really can't say enough about how absolutely wonderful this program is," says Wylie. "It's something that I think more rinks around the nation should have. It's just amazing to see what we can do for these kids." J To learn more about SkateTherapy or to find out how you can implement in your rink, contact B.L. Wylie at elizabethwylie34@icloud.com. "These children are teaching other children how to skate and, more importantly, are teaching them social skills as well." —B.L. Wylie , Students with varying disabilities find joy and comfort in SkateTherapy sessions. PHOTOS: COURTESY OF PATRICK OTERO REAL PROGRAMS Successful programs to consider adopting