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Area children and adults with special needs and their families enjoyed some time on the ice with the assistance of boys and girls from Choate's ice hockey teams.
Next week will mark the final week in the free two-month program that has drawn 30 to 40 skaters each week.
Program coordinator Cyndi Lynch said some have advanced to the point that they stick around for the public skating session after noon. Lynch recently returned to the program after being away for two years due to illness.
"It's incredible to come back and see how much they've improved," Lynch said.
Many families say they've noticed huge advancements and couldn't have found a more comfortable environment for skating.
"He loves it!" said Linda Northrop of Hamden, referring to her 18-year-old son, Andrew.
Andrew skated on his own, holding the hands of a volunteer, as parents John and Linda Northrop looked on. The program has inspired Linda Northrop to take to the ice after more than 30 years. "I think it's fantastic," John Northrop said.
Michael Grisanti of the boys junior varsity hockey team said he enjoys the time he spends as a volunteer. Wearing a bright yello jersey, he pushed several children in chairs and held the hands of others who were more comfortable on the ice.
"It's a nice way to get up on a Sunday, when there's not much going on," he said. "You see how happy they are getting on the ice. It's a great opportunity."
Meanwhile, 6-year-old Lucas Hall of Yalesville enjoyed being pushed by a student volunteer. His father, Bob, has been bringing him for the past two years and said he thinks it's a great activity.
"He definitely has improved out there," Bob Hall said.
shernandez@record-journal.com
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