PHILADELPHIA FEARLESS FLYERS

The Fearless Flyers ice hockey program began in September 2004.  It is sponsored by the Philadelphia Little Flyers and USA Hockey.  The program is open to any athlete, male or female over the age of 8 years old, with mental challenges such as Down’s syndrome, Autism, ADD/HD, or any other developmental disability that would prevent them from participation in any other organized ice hockey program.  There are no tryouts.  They don’t even need to be able to skate.  All they need is what they already have…desire.  They will teach you how to skate, how to hold a stick, how to handle a puck, how to make a pass, how to take a shot, how to make a save.  Some may learn by the end of their first season, other may take years.  What they will all do immediately is participate…at every practice and at every game.  That’s because they don’t have to meet anyone else’s expectations, only their own. 

The Atlantic District of USA Hockey (USA Hockey is the governing body for ice hockey in the United States) is continuing to expand their ice hockey program for the enrichment of the athlete with a developmental disability. 

Philadelphia Fearless Flyers Special Hockey exists for the enrichment of the athlete with a developmental disability. In addition to physical hockey skills, the program emphasizes on the development of desirable individual characteristics such as dependability, self-reliance, concentration, willingness to share and personal accountability. The game of hockey is used by Special Hockey to develop within each player the characteristics that will help the player to be more successful both inside and outside a hockey environment.

Ice hockey is no more dangerous than any other athletic activity.  Our coaching staff is very experienced and all practices and games are carefully supervised. 

Special Hockey allows the developmentally challenged to achieve their own goals on their own schedule.  Special hockey has now grown into over 50 other organizations like ours in the US and Canada. 

There is no cost for the athlete.  All equipment, uniforms and ice time are covered by the organization.  We practice one day a week for an hour and 15 minutes at the Ice Works  Ice Hockey Arena in Aston, PA.  Practice begins in September.  For further information and registration, please contact Michael Riggs 856-981-3980 or mriggs3445@hotmail.com.  The special Hockey website is www.americanspecialhockey.org. 

Hope to hear from you!