SABAH Program Helps Special-Needs Skaters Achieve Goals
By Joanne Vassallo Jamrosz, special to U.S. Figure Skating Online
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"When the volunteer skate fitter tied up Emma's skates for the first time, all she did was cry," Coyle said. "I didn't think we'd go back, but after our tears subsided and we had a week to think, we returned, put the skates on and hit the ice.
"That has been where we've been every Saturday morning from September to March for the last 16 years."
SABAH stands for "Skating Athletes Bold at Heart." Through SABAH, individuals challenged by disabilities can set and attain goals to improve strength, balance, self-discipline and focus. Skaters learn to develop a process of goal setting and goal achieving while sharing the ice with family and friends. SABAH also helps skaters sustain better overall health and wellness including muscle strength, fine and gross motor skills, coordination, social skills and self-esteem.
SABAH was formed in 1977 as a Buffalo, N.Y.,-based not-for profit educational corporation. According to executive director Sheila O'Brien, SABAH runs five programs throughout Erie and Niagara counties for approximately 650 skaters of all ages. The largest of these, the Evening and Weekend Program and the School Day Adaptive Ice Skating program, both begin in October and run through the spring, serving skaters and volunteers from western New York counties and Canada.
Jean can't say enough wonderful things about the volunteer helpers at the Hamburg rink at which Emma, who was born with Down syndrome, skates.
"Every Saturday morning the rink is filled a buzz. There are hugs - even though it has only been a week - and high fives," Coyle said. "There's Ann handing out the skates as she sees the star skater of the family. There's Joe, who everyone is looking for to tie their skates, and there's the equipment people getting things ready at the ice."
The volunteers take time to say greet the skaters - even the ones with whom they aren't partnered.
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"Sue shows Emma patience, support and respect," Jean said. "Each year she encourages Emma to do a little more on the ice. It could be skating backward, skating on one foot or being part of the pinwheel, which is always the highlight.
"Sue is not only Emma's partner; she is her friend."
For O'Brien, the highlight of the season for skaters, volunteers and families is the annual show, Celebration on Ice, which takes place at HSBC Arena in Buffalo.
"The joy and pride on the faces of the athletes as they display the skills they learned throughout the season is incredible," O'Brien said. "Also, seeing the faces of the parents and family members while their skaters perform is equally emotional for me."
Coyle is also moved by this special production.
"This is the proudest day and the most emotional day for the families," Coyle said. "It might be the day when the girl with cerebral palsy can glide across the ice using her good leg to propel her as she skates, or the day the newest skaters can put their walkers aside and skate 10 feet to their partners. Or it might be the day our Emma skates using both her feet as fast as she can to get into the pinwheel, and when she's there, she is all smiles as she holds on to her partner, Sue, and another volunteer as she goes around on the skate of her life."
For the skaters and families, Celebration on Ice is truly a celebration.
"When Emma looks up, we are holding individual letters that simply read 'Good Job Emma'," Jean said. "She gives us a huge smile and thumbs up. After taking a bow, the group begins to leave the ice. Emma never stops smiling or waving to us as she skates off."
SABAH and O'Brien are always looking for new volunteers. More information is available at www.sabahinc.org.
