Therapeutic skating class honored with medals

The first class of clients from RISE Inc. who completed a therapeutic skating program at Trine University were honored Thursday, Nov. 16, during a medal ceremony in the Thunder Ice Arena. Based in Angola, RISE works to promote the welfare or and foster development of community-based programs with developmental, physical or other challenges. Over the course of the program, the clients have learned 20 skating skills from the Learn to Skate USA curriculum. Besides providing physical exercise, the skating activities help clients build confidence and learn teamwork.

Photos: Top, from left, Amy Alt, youth hockey program director at Trine University; James; Brandon; Arica; Chris Stackhouse, executive director at RISE; Cody; Greg; Mickinna Lothamer, nurse at RISE; Ralph; and Becky Halprin, administrative assistant at RISE. Bottom, Brandon, a RISE client, receives a medal from Mickinna Lothamer. (Photos by Dean Orewiler)