Mission: Gliding Stars of Central Florida, Inc. is an adaptive ice-skating program that enables individuals with disabilities the opportunity for physical, social, and emotional growth by fostering a team-oriented, safe, and accepting environment that allows one to break through barriers to accomplish their dreams.
Results: An average of 22 athletes participating in instructional on ice skills development. Approximately 80% of athletes complete a progression of 3 to 6 skill improvements over a 14 to 18 week season culminating in an on-ice Showcase supporting and celebrating those goals in a community shared public program. Social opportunities made available to all athletes and families through the Best Buddies organization that provide a bridge experience between volunteers and athletes to create a true partnership.
Target demographics: individuals with disabilities succeed within a structured ice skating program
Direct beneficiaries per year: 23 athletes and 40 volunteers succeed in an inclusive athletic environment on ice.
Geographic areas served: inclusive athletic participation
Programs: physical instructional development of ice skating skills, social interaction with volunteers in a learning environment and creating emotional connections beyond the ice.
My family has had an amazing experience with Gliding Stars! The staff, coaches, and volunteers go above and beyond to make sure the skaters and families feel comfortable. My daughter went from never wearing skating to spinning, and skating on 1 foot in a matter of months. Her confidence grew with each session! We can't wait until next season!
My daughter has been a part of Gliding Stars here in Orlando for more than a decade first as an athlete and now as a volunteer coach. She loves skating and Gliding Stars has been a great opportunity for her to expand her skills and perform in front of an audience. The organization is very well run and does an amazing job with all of the athletes involved. Keep up the great work that you do.
My daughter has been involved with Gliding Stars for nearly a decade and she loves being on the ice and has made many friends over the years while in this program. The people running Gliding Stars do an amazing job of managing all the details so the athletes can just focus on learning to skate.
Our son has attended the Glidding Stars program now for a few years. This has been the best experience with a competitive sport that we have ever had with him. He loves the ice, the program and all the teachers and volunteers. We look forward for every season to begin and for the showcase. This year was fantastic to see the progress from all the participants. Our son did great!!!
Have worked with Gliding Stars for a few years. Able to say that their team loves what they do and truly care about each star and volunteer on and off the ice. Their shows are spectacular and a wonderful experience to be apart of…. I hope people can have the joyful experience that I have had being apart of their team.
I have volunteered for Gliding Stars for one year off ice and was blown away with the work they do. The organization is well run, organized, and overall an excellent environment.
