Washington Capitals and Dreams for Kids Host Extreme Recess Hockey
Friday, 02.03.2012 / 1:53 PM
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ARLINGTON, Va. – The Washington Capitals teamed up for the second-straight year with Dreams for Kids (DFK) to host Extreme Recess Hockey on Thursday, Feb. 2, at Kettler Capitals Iceplex. Washington Capitals forwards Jay Beagle and Jason Chimera, defenseman John Erskine and mascot Slapshot skated with children with physical and developmental disabilities following the Capitals practice. Many participants were skating for the first time, and the Caps players helped them get acclimated to the ice while working with them on how to hold the stick, puck handling and passing.
“This event is so much fun,” said Beagle. “It’s great to be out here skating with kids who are having a blast.”
This clinic was free for participants and was organized by the volunteer staff at Dreams for Kids. The DFK staff consists of young adults, all under the age of 25, who are working to empower youth of all abilities in our nation’s capital.
“Every person out here has a smile on their face,” said Chimera. “The kids really are enjoying themselves and it makes it a lot of fun.”
“A lot of the kids are out here for the first time and don’t really get to do this kind of thing, so I’m glad I get to be a part of it,” Erskine said.
The Capitals provided T-shirts for all of the participants and volunteers. Beagle, Chimera and Erskine also signed autographs for all of the participants during and after the event.
Extreme Recess allows this often isolated group of children to engage in the types of physical activities that other children their age experience daily. Instead of sitting on the sidelines, children with physical and developmental disabilities have the opportunity to be the sports stars. The empowerment and self-respect learned at the clinic will carry over into the children’s lives at home, in the classroom, in the community and will help them realize that their disability need not hinder them from reaching their dreams. Extreme Recess celebrates the unique ability in all children and helps them turn the adversity in their lives into opportunity. With more than 12,000 children currently living with disabilities in D.C. and similar stats for surrounding counties, it is vital that we spread awareness about the importance and power that athletics can play in the lives of children with disabilities.
About Dreams for Kids
Dreams for Kids is an international youth organization and 501(c) (3) children’s charity, with a mission to empower young people of all abilities through dynamic leadership programs and life-changing activities. By helping others find their dreams, they can realize their own. For more information about Dreams for Kids DC, visit www.dreamsforkids.org/dc.
DFK has been in the Washington, D.C., area for the past three years and continues to reach out to at-risk youth in the Washington, D.C., area. They believe and promote the uniqueness of all children and help empower them to reach their dreams, while also giving back to the community. By giving these isolated groups of children the opportunity to be leaders in sports and rigorous activities, they can see their greatness and potential in overcoming life challenges.
“This event is so much fun,” said Beagle. “It’s great to be out here skating with kids who are having a blast.”
This clinic was free for participants and was organized by the volunteer staff at Dreams for Kids. The DFK staff consists of young adults, all under the age of 25, who are working to empower youth of all abilities in our nation’s capital.
“Every person out here has a smile on their face,” said Chimera. “The kids really are enjoying themselves and it makes it a lot of fun.”
“A lot of the kids are out here for the first time and don’t really get to do this kind of thing, so I’m glad I get to be a part of it,” Erskine said.
The Capitals provided T-shirts for all of the participants and volunteers. Beagle, Chimera and Erskine also signed autographs for all of the participants during and after the event.
Extreme Recess allows this often isolated group of children to engage in the types of physical activities that other children their age experience daily. Instead of sitting on the sidelines, children with physical and developmental disabilities have the opportunity to be the sports stars. The empowerment and self-respect learned at the clinic will carry over into the children’s lives at home, in the classroom, in the community and will help them realize that their disability need not hinder them from reaching their dreams. Extreme Recess celebrates the unique ability in all children and helps them turn the adversity in their lives into opportunity. With more than 12,000 children currently living with disabilities in D.C. and similar stats for surrounding counties, it is vital that we spread awareness about the importance and power that athletics can play in the lives of children with disabilities.
Dreams for Kids is an international youth organization and 501(c) (3) children’s charity, with a mission to empower young people of all abilities through dynamic leadership programs and life-changing activities. By helping others find their dreams, they can realize their own. For more information about Dreams for Kids DC, visit www.dreamsforkids.org/dc.
DFK has been in the Washington, D.C., area for the past three years and continues to reach out to at-risk youth in the Washington, D.C., area. They believe and promote the uniqueness of all children and help empower them to reach their dreams, while also giving back to the community. By giving these isolated groups of children the opportunity to be leaders in sports and rigorous activities, they can see their greatness and potential in overcoming life challenges.
