FINDLAY, Ohio (WLIO) — For 23 years, Gliding Stars has provided opportunities for more than 500 individuals with disabilities through its ice-skating program. This year’s stars are ready to take the ice for a special performance at The Cube in Findlay on March 30th.
“Oh, this is gonna be awesome,” said Kayleen Gyetvai, who has been skating with Gliding Stars for 17 years.
“Well, I hope people come out and watch the show,” said Matthew LaFontaine, an 18-year participant in the program.
Kayleen and Matthew, both veterans of Gliding Stars, will share the spotlight in a dance during the show, but their reasons for skating go beyond performance.
“Because I really like skating because I really enjoy being out there and seeing all the people cheering me on, I like to see all the kids and talk to them, all my friends, meet all the new people,” LaFontaine said.
“Because I like to hang out with my friends every Sunday's afternoon,” Gyetvai said.
For fellow skater Jennifer Verhoff, the reason she likes skating is simple.
“Skate around in a circle,” Verhoff said.
Gliding Stars Director Cindy Bregel highlighted the deeper impact the program has on its skaters.
“Getting them on ice, they're not realizing it's a therapeutic type of nature, and they're having fun, and all of a sudden, we're gaining these skills. Maybe it's in speech, maybe it's motor skills,” Bregel said.
The benefits of the program extend beyond the skaters to include volunteers and parents.
The benefits of the program extend beyond the skaters to include volunteers and parents.
“It's great for the parents. The parents have a program that they can put their child in, feel that the child is safe and properly taken care of, you know, through the season, and get to have all these extra added benefits, and our parents get to sit around and talk to other parents, you know. And that's another support mechanism that goes on behind the scenes of this program,” Bregel added.
After 23 years, this will be Bregel’s final performance as director of Gliding Stars. She hopes the public takes away an important message about the program’s impact.
“I hope they understand the need and the importance for programming like this, for the special needs population. You know, recreational programs. There is a lot more now than there used to be when we first started this program, but there's so much that our individuals with disabilities can accomplish if just given the opportunity and the proper equipment,” Bregel said.
The Gliding Stars' “Really Big Rock Show” will take place Sunday, March 30, at 2:30 p.m. at The Cube in Findlay.
The Gliding Stars' “Really Big Rock Show” will take place Sunday, March 30, at 2:30 p.m. at The Cube in Findlay. Doors open at 2 p.m., and tickets are $10. The skaters hope to see a big crowd there to cheer them on.
