Sled hockey promotes sports for individuals with disabilities
The 11th annual Celebrity Sled Hockey game, hosted by Adaptive Sports Ohio, was played Feb. 28 at Alice Noble Ice Arena.
The 11th annual Celebrity Sled Hockey game, hosted by Adaptive Sports Ohio, was played Feb. 28 at Alice Noble Ice Arena.
When Ashley Hershberger, City of Wooster recreation manager, agreed to participate in the game, she was not quite sure what she had agreed to physically. She knew of others who had participated, and she wanted to be involved.
“Competing in the Adaptive Sports Ohio Celebrity Sled Hockey game was an unforgettable experience,” Hershberger said. “The athletes around me showcased their incredible abilities, moving with strength, control and grace that made it all look so effortless. The joy and intensity they brought to the game was nothing short of amazing.
“Adaptive Sports Ohio is doing extraordinary work, providing athletes with the equipment, training and opportunities to compete. They’re not just playing a game; they’re redefining what’s possible. I hope sliding way out of my comfort zone inspires others to see the impact of this organization and the remarkable individuals it supports.”
This event raised funds for the Wildcats sled hockey program and raised awareness about sports for individuals with disabilities.
Adaptive Sports Ohio removes barriers to ensure individuals with physical disabilities have a chance to play and utilize sports to elevate ability and empower futures. Adaptive Sports Ohio is the largest organization like this in Ohio.
Adaptive Sports Ohio is a not-for-profit and offers four adult/junior competitive teams in sled hockey: the Cleveland Monsters, Wooster Wildcats, Youngstown Boom and Toledo Walleye. Sled hockey is open to adult/junior male and female athletes with amputation/limb loss, spinal cord injury/wheelchair users and cerebral palsy/brain injury/stroke. The Wooster Wildcats junior team is the reigning national champion.
Just as in ice hockey, sled hockey is played with six players including a goalie. Players propel themselves on their sled, supported by a blade, and by use of spikes on the ends of two 30-inch-long sticks, enabling a player to push him/herself and shoot and pass.
The evening consisted of a game between the Wooster Wildcats and local celebrities, and spectators were treated to a 1-1 tie in the first period, a first in the history of this event. Celebrities on the blue and red teams then played to a tie, with the blue team winning in a shootout.
Steve Serio, a five-time Paralympian and three-time gold medalist in wheelchair basketball, was a surprise guest on the celebrity roster. Serio also spent time in Wooster learning more about the programs Adaptive Sports Ohio offers.
In addition to Hershberger, celebrities playing included Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose, Randy Pollock of Westfield Insurance, Dr. Anson Miedel of Wooster Eye Center, Don Noble of United Titanium, Kyle Adams of Stifel, Wayne County Clerk of Courts Scott Wiggam, Ohio House Rep. Meredith Craig, Brandon Smith and Jarred Smith of NOOMA, County Commissioner Matt Martin, Dr. Scott Mollison of Wooster Community Hospital, and Gunnar Stidham of Wooster Hydrostatics. Greg Long, former owner of Long, Cook and Samsa, and State Sen. Al Landis served as coaches.
“It has been the joy of my life serving athletes with physical disabilities,” said Lisa Followay, president and CEO of Adaptive Sports Ohio. “The Wooster community has been incredibly supportive of our organization and the Wildcats sled hockey program year after year. We do not take that for granted and are honored to have our local and state celebrities partner with us on this event.”
Adaptive Sports Ohio offers opportunities to make sports more accessible to those with physical disabilities including 13 interscholastic wheelchair basketball teams, local and travel community team opportunities for youth and adults, Everyone Plays kits, and Dream Camp, a summer overnight camp. More information about programs, volunteer opportunities or becoming a community investor can be found by visiting www.adaptivesportsohio.org, emailing info@adaptivesportsohio.org or calling 330-601-1400.