A First on the Ice: Ice in Paradise Welcomes Cottage Health Rehabilitation Hospital's Junior Wheelchair Sports Camp

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Aug 3
2 min read

Two campers in hockey sleds propel themselves across the ice with an Ice in Paradise volunteer pushing one of them from behind — Two campers propel themselves across the ice with the help of an Ice in Paradise volunteer.

On Wednesday, July 15, Ice in Paradise had the privilege of welcoming Cottage Rehabilitation Hospital's Junior Wheelchair Sports Camp to the rink for a memorable morning of sled hockey. From 10:30 to 11:30 am, 10 campers took to the ice for an experience unlike any they'd had before—most of them trying sled hockey for the very first time.

For more than 40 years, the Junior Wheelchair Sports Camp has provided children and teens with physical disabilities the opportunity to build confidence, develop athletic skills, and experience the joy of sports. This year marked an exciting milestone in the camp's long history as participants ventured onto the ice for their first-ever sled hockey session.

Two coaches in hockey sleds address a group of young campers also in hockey sleds. — Coaches Charlie Alvary IV and Brian Rathfelder give campers instruction on the basics of sled hockey.

The camp was managed Camp Director Rene Van Hoorn and Recreation Therapist Kathy Schmitt, with on-ice instruction from Charlie Alvary IV and Brian Rathfelder, teammates on a sled hockey team based in Bakersfield, California. Together, Charlie and Brian introduced campers to the fundamentals of sled hockey, helping them learn how to propel themselves across the ice, handle a puck, and experience the excitement of hockey in an adaptive format. Throughout the session, smiles, determination, and plenty of cheering filled the rink as campers embraced the challenge and celebrated every success.

Two young people in hockey sleds smile and laugh as a woman in figure skates leans down to assist one of them. — Two campers show their enthusiasm as Ice in Paradise General Manager Breanne Bonilla Walsh steps in to help.

Events like this are only possible through the support of an incredible community. Volunteers from the Junior Wheelchair Sports Camp worked alongside Ice in Paradise volunteers on the ice, providing encouragement, hands-on assistance, and ensuring every camper had a safe and positive experience. Their teamwork helped make the morning a tremendous success.

Ice in Paradise is proud to help make ice sports accessible to everyone and was honored to be part of this historic moment for the Junior Wheelchair Sports Camp. We hope this first sled hockey experience is just the beginning of many more opportunities for these athletes to discover the fun, freedom, and community that come with being on the ice.

A group of young campers push themselves across the ice with the help of a coach on a sled and a man in hockey skates steering one of the campers' sleds. — Campers got a special treat as former Olympic hockey player Steve Heinze stepped in to help out with their adventure.

Thank you to Cottage Rehabilitation Hospital, Rene Van Hoorn, Kathy Schmitt, Charlie Alvary IV, Brian Rathfelder, and every volunteer who made this special day possible. We look forward to welcoming the Junior Wheelchair Sports Camp back to the rink in the future.

A group of campers pose on sleds on the ice with coaches and volunteers. — Cottage Rehabilitation Hospital's Junior Wheelchair Sports Campers pose with volunteers and coaches.