April 25, 2024

The Chico Area Recreation & Park District (CARD) is excited to partner with SkateMD, a Northern California non-profit organization, to host a free one-on-one skateboard clinic for children with special needs. The event will take place at the Humboldt Avenue Skate Park on Saturday, May 11th for registered children and volunteers.

SkateMD's mission is to heal hearts by spreading kindness and skateboarding to children with physical and developmental disabilities. Erik Nielsen, Pediatric Physical Therapist, with SkateMD, expressed his excitement about offering this opportunity to Butte County residents, stating, "We serve children who may not otherwise be able to pursue skateboarding, or those who just need some extra kindness in their lives."

The clinic is open to children ages 5–17 with a diagnosed disability who can tolerate standing, kneeling, or sitting on a skateboard with or without support for minutes at a time. Parents with questions or concerns about their child's ability to participate are encouraged to reach out for more information.

SkateMD's program consists of free one-on-one skateboard clinics for children with special needs every other month at local skate parks in the Sacramento region. Each clinic hosts approximately 25 children and 70 volunteers. SkateMD provides skateboard equipment for use during the event, if needed, and also includes snacks, drinks, and lunch. The clinics aim to provide not only skateboarding instruction but also fun aspects for socialization, such as group skills time and an art station.

Volunteers are still needed for the event. Volunteer opportunities include youth and adult skate buddies, event support, first aid, professional support, and more. Volunteers will receive orientation, a volunteer shirt, snacks, drinks, and lunch. "The overwhelming feeling of joy is also included!" added Nielsen.

CARD General Manager, Annabel Grimm, expressed CARD's excitement to support this inclusive event, stating, "CARD is dedicated to providing everyone with a chance to play and get involved."

To register children, interested parents/guardians can email skatemd.healinghearts@gmail.com. Community members, including skateboarders, who would like to volunteer can find registration information at www.skatemd.org. The event schedule and other details are provided at registration.

To learn more about SkateMD and how to get involved, visit www.skatemd.org and follow SkateMD on Facebook and Instagram. For more information about CARD parks and recreation, visit www.chicorec.gov and stay connected with CARD on social media by following @ChicoRec on Facebook and Instagram.

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About Chico Area Recreation & Park District

Founded in 1948, the Chico Area Recreation & Park District (CARD) is a California Special District focused on creating recreational opportunities that bring friends and families together to have fun and build lasting memories. CARD manages and cares for more than 15 community and neighborhood parks, four community centers, one swimming pool, the Chico Creek Nature Center, and more. The PLAY Activity Guide highlights the numerous sports, classes, camps, events, and more CARD offers. Learn more about CARD at http://www.chicorec.gov/.