FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 18, 2010

Ice Skating, Volleyball, Swimming, and Exercise Programs
Are Available in Union County for People with Disabilities

ROSELLE, NJ – The Warinanco Ice Skating Center and the Union County Department of Parks and Community Renewal welcomed disabled hockey players to the County’s rink last month during Hockey Weekend Across America. Pictured are (left) Donna Hayden, director of the Warinanco rink, (right) Margaret Heisey, coordinator of Union County programs for people with disabilities, and hockey players associated with EveryBODY Skates New Jersey. For information about Union County programs for people with disabilities, please call 908-527-4806.

ROSELLE, NJ – The Warinanco Ice Skating Center and the Union County Department of Parks and Community Renewal welcomed a group of disabled hockey players to the County’s rink in Warinanco Park last month during Hockey Weekend Across America. The disabled hockey players, who are associated with EveryBODY Skates New Jersey, were visiting all 54 ice rinks in New Jersey to raise awareness about the benefits of skating for people living with disabilities.

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, through the Department of Parks and Community Renewal, has a number of recreational programs available for people with disabilities, including ice skating sessions, recreational swimming, volleyball, and modified exercise for the physically challenged.

On Saturday afternoons during the month of March, skate guards will assist and give pointers as needed to skaters with disabilities from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. at the Warinanco Ice Skating Center in Warinanco Park, off Thompson Avenue in Roselle. Registration is $12 and skates are provided for those who require them.

Volleyball basics will be taught and games will be played on Feb. 25, March 4 and March 11 from 8:00 – 9:00 p.m. at the YM-YWHA of Union County, located at 501 Green Lane in Union. Registration is $12 and please wear sneakers.

Free, recreational swimming sessions are in progress through June 15 every Tuesday evening from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA, 1340 Martine Avenue, Scotch Plains. There is no pre-registration for this activity. Persons requiring assistance must make their own arrangements for an aide. Call 908-527-4900 for information. Please don’t call the YMCA.

Biweekly exercise for people who have a physical disability as a result of a stroke, accident or other physical limitation will begin Tuesday, April 6 and run every Tuesday and Thursday through Nov. 4 at Runnells Specialized Hospital in Berkeley Heights.

The Warinanco Ice Skating Center and Runnells Specialized Hospital are facilities of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders. For further information about these and other activities, and to be placed on the mailing list for recreation programs for people with disabilities, please call 908-527-4806.