Aiming for inclusion

By Angela Bases
May 16, 2011
293

Summary: On Sunday, May 15, the Wooster Oilers and the Adaptive Sports Program of Ohios team, the Wildcats competed in the first annual Sled Hockey Charity Game, which was designed to increase awareness about sled hockey and raise funds for the Wildcats. The Wildcats won 5-2, and also took one more step towards inclusion and equality. Progress took the form of sleds, jerseys, and ice on Sunday, May 15, at the Alice Noble Ice Arena in Wooster. To the tune of a roaring crowd, the Oilers and the Wildcats competed in a unique and inclusive version of hockey. The Adaptive Sports Program of Ohio (ASPO) is a nonprofit organization that provides athletic opportunities for individuals with physical disabilities. Their first annual Sled Hockey Charity Game was organized to spread awareness about sled hockey and to raise funds for their team. The catch, however, was that the Oilers didnt get to try out the sleds, which are designed for individuals with disabilities, until a few minutes prior to the game. I really think it's fantastic, my guys really enjoyed it. They were a little nervous, scared even, began Hart Duddy, head coach for the Oilers. It was pretty tough at first, but towards the end, they were getting a lot better. As a result of their special circumstances, the Wildcats encounter costs that other teams do not. For example, it costs an astounding $900 to equip each player. For half of their season, the Wildcats have accrued $2,000 in ice time for their practices. While on other teams, it may be practical to pass on these costs to families, the families involved with ASPO already have mounting medical bills due to the disability. It makes fundraising activities and community support a necessity for the Wildcats. We're reaching out for community partners and community support. This is a great way to get people in. Hockey's cool in general, and just because they're sitting in sleds, it's equally as cool, explained Lisa Followay, executive director of ASPO. As the teams battled in their thin sleds, maneuvering themselves around with the hockey sticks, one couldnt tell the difference between the players with and the players without disabilities. And though it may have been just another game to many, for the Wildcats, it was movement towards equality. Amy Hammel wouldnt argue that, either. Her daughter participates in sled hockey, and this is the first opportunity shes had to try sports, and she is 20. She said she's been waiting to do something like this her whole life, Hammel beamed. I think its just been great. And as the game drew to a close, the Wildcats had yet another reason to celebrate, as they won the game 5-2. Ultimately, they achieved two victories in one afternoon, and had fun while doing it. I think it's important emotionally for them, [and] also socially. When I say emotionally and socially, this is building self-esteem. You have a lot of players on this team who have siblings and family members who play these sports. They're told they can't do this, Followay explained. By offering adaptive sports, they're shown, you know, you can do things like everyone else. There will be at least one of these games a year, especially given the response from the community. But the Oilers may have left with increased respect for their counterparts with disabilities. It was painful, it hurt a lot, began Josh Porter, a Wooster Oiler. It was a lot more exercise than I thought it would be. You have no balance, your legs are strapped in, so it's a little hard to turn and stuff. Despite the challenge, Porter stated that the game was a blast, and he looks forward to playing again. It was really our pleasure to help them out. I hope they had a good afternoon of fundraising, Duddy concluded.

Aiming for inclusion

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