If you’ve been watching the Paralympics, you’ve witnessed some inspirational stories and incredible events.  The strength of the human spirit has been on full display, serving as a reminder that anything is possible.

Right now we’re watching the USA vs Russia gold medal sled hockey game.  These guys are hardcore; the skill and endurance required to compete at the top level of this game far exceeds that of typical ice hockey.

When I was a kid, my favorite part of the Olympics was dreaming about being an Olympian one day.  I will admit to a certain amount of rollerskating practice in the garage, with dreams of taking my skills to the ice.  Those dreams never left the garage.  The fast action of sled hockey may be inspiring your child to try something that they thought wasn’t possible before.

So, where can you try sled hockey?  The National Ability Center (NAC) in Park City, Utah has everything you need.  I’ve visited the NAC twice with V, one time we watched sled hockey, the next time we tried it out – it was a BLAST!  I watched kids transfer from their wheelchairs and strap into their sleds, taking to the ice with huge smiles.

If you don’t know about the NAC, I would love to introduce you.  They offers more adaptive sports than just sled hockey, including downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, biking, rock wall climbing, horse back riding, and lots more.  The offer camps for kids, camps for families, and individual activities.  The first time we visited, our whole family was in Park City and we connected with the NAC to help with get V set up to participate in everything that we did.  Our next visit, just V and I attended a family camp and stayed at the NAC ranch with other families.  Both times were life changing, honestly.  We met new people and learned new things that helped us expand what we could do together as a family.  And that’s what the NAC is all about.

Find out more about sled hockey and the NAC:

National Ability Center
www.discovernac.org