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9/25/2008
Kids with Physical Disabilities get the Chance to Take a Slap Shot

London, ON, September 23, 2008—It will take more that just ‘optimism’ to beat the London Blizzard Sledge Hockey Team, but members of Optimist Clubs of Komoka-Kilworth and Oakridge Arces are going to give it their best shot. The evening of Tuesday September 30th is the official opening and ribbon cutting for the Sledge Hockey Rink at Easter Seals Camp Woodeden. The Optimist Clubs of Oakridge Acres and Komoka-Kilworth funded the project to meet the increasing demand and need to provide fully accessible Sledge Hockey facilities, for children and youth with physical disabilities.

Sledge hockey is an innovative team sport for people with disabilities, incorporating the same rules and structure as hockey. Players sit on specially designed sleds with wheels and use two sticks, not only to pass, but also to propel and maneuver their sledges. For more information about the London Blizzard Sledge Hockey Team, visit www.londonblizzard.com

“All kids deserve the chance to experience the benefits of playing hockey, developing skills, being a part of a hockey team and enjoying the social interaction. We believe in bringing out the best in kids, and what better way to help kids with physical disabilities,“ says Doug Kinchen, Optimist Club of Komoka-Kilworth.

“Since 1922, Easter Seals Ontario has been helping children and young adults with physical disabilities to address life’s challenges and achieve personal goals. Thanks to this kind of support, we can continue to provide the independence building programs that greatly benefit these young people,” says Carol Lloyd, President and CEO, Easter Seals Ontario.

Easter Seals provides financial assistance for essential mobility equipment, such as walkers and wheelchairs, to families who require additional help and support in raising a child with a physical disability. Easter Seals also offers fully accessible summer camp and funding for children with physical disabilities to attend other recreational programs. For more information or to donate, visit www.easterseals.org.

EVENT:
Tuesday September 30: Grand Opening of Sledge Hockey rink, funded by Optimist Clubs of Oakridge Acres and Komoka Kilworth

HIGHLIGHTS AND TIMES:
6:45 p.m.: Opening remarks
7:00 p.m.: Official opening and Ribbon Cutting
7:15 p.m.: Optimists vs. London Blizzard sledge hockey game & refreshments

INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES:
Easter Seals Board Member and former Easter Seals Camper, Jeff Preston
Easter Seals Camp Woodeden Director, Cory Nelson
Doug Kinchen (Optimist Club of Komoka-Kilworth), Doug MacKay (Optimist Club of Oakridge Acres)
Members of the London Blizzard Sledge Hockey Team

LOCATION:
Easter Seals Camp Woodeden: 2311 Oxford St. West, London Ontario

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For media inquiries contact:
Leela Sharma, Easter Seals Ontario
lsharma@easterseals.org
(519) 641-5955 Cell: 519.476.6532