Wilmington organizations team up to bring hockey to people with disabilities
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — ACCESS of Wilmington and the Wilmington Arena Project are partnering to give people with disabilities an opportunity to experience hockey during a special adaptive recreation event Thursday, Oct. 22.
The event will take place from 4 to 5 p.m. at the Miracle League of Wilmington Field, located at 5510 Olsen Park Lane.
The Wilmington Arena Project will bring its mobile hockey rink to the field, allowing participants in ACCESS of Wilmington’s ACCESS Fit program to take part in hockey activities in an adaptive setting.
ACCESS Fit provides year-round fitness and wellness opportunities for people with physical and intellectual disabilities. The program serves more than 170 participants through activities focused on cardiovascular fitness, strength, balance, flexibility and recreation.
The organization also offers NeuroFit, a virtual fitness program for homebound participants.
Paula Crozier, executive director of ACCESS of Wilmington, said the partnership reflects the organization’s goal of making recreational opportunities available to people of all abilities.
“At ACCESS of Wilmington, we believe that sports are for everyone, regardless of ability,” Crozier said. “Every day, we see the incredible impact that recreation has on the physical, emotional, and social well-being of the individuals and families we serve. Bringing hockey to our ACCESS Fit participants opens the door to another exciting experience, while demonstrating what is possible when community partners embrace inclusion as part of their vision. We are especially excited that The Wilmington Arena Project recognizes the importance of creating a community asset that welcomes and serves people of all abilities.”
The event also highlights the Wilmington Arena Project’s long-term goal of developing a community-owned, multipurpose sports and entertainment arena in the Cape Fear region.
Michael Vollmin of the Wilmington Arena Project said the organization hopes a future facility would accommodate a variety of sports, community events and nonprofit activities.
“This collaboration with ACCESS of Wilmington is a small glimpse of what we envision for the future of The Wilmington Arena Project,” Vollmin said. “We want to build a community-owned arena that truly belongs to the people it serves. A place where children of all abilities can experience the joy of sports, where nonprofits can raise funds for important causes, and where the entire community can come together. If we can create smiles and meaningful connections through a small mobile hockey rink, imagine what we could accomplish with a permanent arena built around that same mission.”
ACCESS of Wilmington serves more than 750 children, adults, veterans and first responders through programs including the Miracle League of Wilmington, ACCESS Fit, Project SOAR and ACCESS Adventures.
The organization is also working to develop an inclusive recreation facility in Wilmington.
Thursday’s event will feature ACCESS Fit participants and the Wilmington Arena Project’s mobile hockey rink.
More information about the organizations is available on ACCESS of Wilmington’s website and The Wilmington Arena Project’s website.
