WHEELING — It’s one instance where icy surfaces are not just acceptable but an absolute must. The fifth annual Inclusion on Ice will glide into Wheeling Park Memorial Ice Rink from 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 8.
The event is free and open to the public. Organizers encourage people of all ages and abilities to come out and skate, whether it’s their first or 500th time on the ice.
Volunteers, including Wheeling Nailers players, will be on hand to assist anyone who needs help on the ice, whether children, adults or people in wheelchairs. Adaptive equipment will be available, including walkers and hockey sleds.
In addition to the free public skate, participants can enjoy other free items and activities, including face painting, Selfie Snaps selfie station, inflatables from Tripp’s Fun Zone, hot chocolate from the Wheeling Park concession, a donut from So Nuts for Donuts and a sensory room set up by Augusta Levy Behavioral Services.
Over 20 local businesses and organizations will offer information and free activities at the community resource fair, including the Miracle League, Arc of Ohio-East, West Liberty University Disability Awareness Club, Stone Martial Arts and Wheeling Country Day School.
“We are excited to partner with Augusta Levy Behavioral Services, the Wheeling Nailers, local disabilities advocate David George, and all our sponsors and volunteers to bring the fifth annual Inclusion on Ice to Wheeling Park,” Betsy Bethel-McFarland, Easterseals marketing director, said.
“We already have over 140 people registered. Last year, we saw between 400 and 500 folks show up to skate and take part in all the free activities.” Registration is encouraged but not required, she added.
The event began in 2022 as a way for Augusta Levy and Easterseals, both nonprofits who serve children with autism spectrum disorder and other disabilities and delays, to give back to the community and provide an opportunity for people to try something new.
“We are so honored to collaborate with Easterseals and the Wheeling Nailers in a joint effort to support individuals with disabilities. Our hope with Inclusion on Ice is to create equal opportunities for everyone to benefit from hockey’s positive impacts, help reduce stigma and strengthen Wheeling’s identity as a supportive place for all individuals to thrive,” Augusta Levy CEO Angie Wood said.
David George of Wheeling, author of “Be Unique, Be You & Live!”, is a hockey fan and avid music lover, particularly of The Who’s “Tommy,” and he played with the Wheeling Area Hockey Association as a youngster. He was inspired to start Inclusion on Ice, in part, after being introduced to special hockey organizations in Pittsburgh. He approached Easterseals, Augusta Levy and the Wheeling Nailers to create the event.
“As each year has gone by, we have seen an increase in the number of participants attend our event from different age brackets who make it obvious that they are enjoying themselves as they engage with others in the community that they live in,” George said.
Every year, the Wheeling Nailers asks a few players to volunteer their time at the event. Community relations director D.J. Abisalih said he has no trouble finding recruits. Last year, Nailers goalie Taylor Gauthier struck up a friendship with a young girl with cerebral palsy, Emma Waldron, and they are looking forward to skating together again this year.
“One of the biggest reasons why the Wheeling Nailers are heavily involved in the community is so that fans can get to know the players as people, rather than just names and numbers on a roster. It brings a smile to everyone’s face, seeing the friendship that Taylor Gauthier and the Waldron family have created, and it’s very special to think that it all started thanks to Inclusion on Ice. The Nailers organization is extremely proud to celebrate five years of one of the most impactful community events that the team supports,” Abisalih said.
The event wouldn’t be possible without volunteers such as the Nailers, Easterseals and Augusta Levy staff, and members of the Laborors’ Union Local 1149, who are among volunteers who help ensure people enter and exit the ice safely. High school hockey players from The Linsly School, Wheeling Central Catholic High School and Wheeling Park High School also are expected to help out this year.
Title sponsors are the Encova Foundation of West Virginia, Regional Economic Development Partnership, Oglebay Foundation and Wheeling Park Commission. MVP sponsors include the city of Wheeling, Kalkreuth Roofing and Sheet Metal, Panhandle Cleaning and Restoration and WesBanco.
“This event ensures that individuals of all abilities have the opportunity to experience the joy, freedom, and confidence that comes with ice skating — an activity that should be available to everyone,” said Wheeling Park director Nat Goudy. “Inclusion on Ice also strengthens our community by bringing families, caregivers, and participants together in a shared space of encouragement and celebration.”
For more information, call 304-242-1390 or visit the Easterseals Facebook page or website, www.wv.easterseals.com.
