A new program at the Membertou Sport and Wellness Centre, in Membertou, N.S., is providing assistive on-ice equipment and supports to help students living with disabilities hit the ice. The program is inspired by the book “Lily’s Pond,” written by Jim MacCormack - one of the people spearheading the new skating program. “In the book, Lily – who has a disability – says, ‘My dream is that every child with a disability has the opportunity I had to get on the ice,’” said MacCormack. To turn that storybook dream into reality, the Lily’s Dream Society raised more than $20,000 for assistive on-ice equipment and supports. “When they call this ‘Lily’s Dream,’ this is a dream,” said volunteer Audrey Tutty. “Because it does as much for us as it does for the kids.” The group also assembled about 30 volunteer skaters to accompany the students around the ice Wednesday. “The expressions on the children’s faces, it’s amazing,” said MacCormack. “It starts with complete apprehension and fear; you can almost see it in their eyes. And, within 10 minutes or so on the ice, they’re smiling and laughing.” The Membertou Sport and Wellness Centre donated ice time to the cause and participants can get fitted with skates and a helmet inside the rink’s shop. “Any time we can partner with a group like this to put on some stuff for these special needs students in the school system, I think it’s awesome”, said Wellness Centre general manager Paul Carroll. “They wouldn’t have had that chance before.” Following Wednesdays launch, the idea is that the Lily’s Dream skates will take place each Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. “Our hope is that others in the country will hear about this program and emulate it, because I think it’s doable,” said MacCormack. For now, the plan is for students from different schools to come and skate on a rotating basis. “People leave this place with tears,” said Tutty. “It’s a good day.” For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
