News Archive

February 16, 2004
Pettit Offers Therapeutic Skating for Children with Special Needs

The Pettit National Ice Center, a U.S. Olympic Training Facility, has teamed up with the MJ Care Outpatient Clinic to provide therapeutic ice skating programs for children with special needs.

The MJ Care Outpatient Clinic, a leading provider of physical, occupational and speech therapy, will offer children with special needs two new programs that will not only enhance their physical traits, but let them enjoy the Pettit and all its resources as well.

“Therapy on Ice,” or physical therapy, gives each child the opportunity to strengthen the postural system, improve range of motion and strengthen leg muscles, as well as enhance their physical endurance. “Therapy on Ice” includes occupational therapy as well, which uses skating as a sensory integration treatment technique to challenge a child’s vestibular sensory system, enhance alertness and improve overall body awareness.

Along with “Therapy on Ice,” MJ Care and the Pettit will offer “Therapeutic Skating” which focuses on the child’s motor and sensory skills, as well as their overall skating ability. Its main purpose is to increase a child’s independence on skates, while serving as a source of recreational fun.

“The most effective therapy needs to be fun in order to show the kids some lifelong skills,” said MJ Care’s Linda Niemela. “Anyone can enjoy ice skating and everyone should get the chance to participate. This is a great opportunity for the kids to learn, they really seem to enjoy it.”

For more information on the therapeutic skating programs or the MJ Care Outpatient Clinic, please visit http://clinics.mjcare.com, or contact Rob Multerer at the Pettit National Ice Center at 414.266.0100, ext. 132 or rmulterer@thepettit.com.

Contact: Rob Multerer
Director of Marketing
Pettit National Ice Center
414.266.0100, ext. 132
rmulterer@thepettit.com