Since it began five years ago, the Special Needs Ice Hockey program in Panorama City, California, has provided an opportunity for kids and adults with developmental disabilities to learn and play hockey. Until just six months ago, it was the only program in California to give kids with autism, intellectual disabilities and other developmental disabilities a chance to gear up, get on the ice and play hockey. They are still the only special needs ice hockey team in the state—the California Condors. In just the past two years, the Condors have represented California at three out-of-state Special Needs Ice Hockey tournaments in Utah, Colorado, and Toronto, Canada. My son Benjamin had been playing hockey in Toronto on a special needs ice hockey team for eight years before we moved to California in 2001. Naturally, he wanted to continue playing. But in California in 2001 there was no place for Benjamin or any other child or adult in California with developmental disabilities to play hockey. (The Special Olympics does not include ice hockey.) It took five years to find an ice rink that could give us ice time. The program at the LA Kings' Valley Ice Center in Panorama City was finally launched in October 2006. Why ice hockey for kids and young adults with special needs? Aside from the excitement and the fun, ice hockey builds motor and sensorimotor skills, focus and coordination. It teaches teamwork and cooperation and inspires communication and camaraderie. Kids and adults who have never...

Special Needs Ice Hockey program in California helps those with disabilities learn and play hockey, boosting skills and self-esteem.

Ice Hockey Meets Special Needs

Since it began five years ago, the Special Needs Ice Hockey program in Panorama City, California, has provided an opportunity for kids and adults with developmental disabilities to learn and play hockey. Until just six months ago, it was the only program in California to give kids with autism, intellectual disabilities and other developmental disabilities a chance to gear up, get on the ice and play hockey. They are still the only special needs ice hockey team in the state—the California Condors. In just the past two years, the Condors have represented California at three out-of-state Special Needs Ice Hockey tournaments in Utah, Colorado, and Toronto, Canada.  My son Benjamin had been playing hockey in Toronto on a special needs ice hockey team for eight years before we moved to California in 2001. Naturally, he wanted to continue playing. But in California in 2001 there was no place for Benjamin or any other child or adult in California with developmental disabilities to play hockey. (The Special Olympics does not include ice hockey.) It took five years to find an ice rink that could give us ice time. The program at the LA Kings' Valley Ice Center in Panorama City was finally launched in October 2006. Why ice hockey for kids and young adults with special needs? Aside from the excitement and the fun, ice hockey builds motor and sensorimotor skills, focus and coordination. It teaches teamwork and cooperation and inspires communication and camaraderie. Kids and adults who have never...

Special Needs Ice Hockey program in California helps those with disabilities learn and play hockey, boosting skills and self-esteem.

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Special Needs
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Ice Hockey Meets Special Needs

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Special Needs Articles

Ice Hockey Meets Special Needs

Find Providers Near You

Special Needs
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