2050 Tilden Avenue, New Hartford, NY 13413 | Phone 315 797-3114 | Toll-Free 1 888 578-8807
2050 Tilden Avenue, New Hartford, NY 13413 | Phone 315 797-3114 | Toll-Free 1 888 578-8807
The partnership between the Sitrin STARS Adaptive Sports Program and the Utica Curling Club (UCC) is an example of the tremendous joint venture between two local non-profit groups. Under the direction of Marc DePerno, who is both Director of the Sitrin STARS Adaptive Sports Program, and Director of Outreach and Development for USA Wheelchair Curling, many national and international competitions for individuals with disabilities have been held in the Mohawk Valley. In fact, the UCC has hosted athletes with disabilities from as far away as Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, California, Texas, Great Britain, Norway, and Canada, clearly demonstrating the need for a handicapped accessible ramp at the facility. These events have also increased tourism and spurred the local economy, as the athletes have utilized area hotels, restaurants, and stores, and visited local attractions.
National and international competitions held at the UCC in 2008 included the U.S. Open International Wheelchair Curling Bonspiel (December 5 – 7); and the 2009 World Wheelchair Curling Trials, (November 14 -16). These competitions were extremely significant, as they helped to determine the United States of America’s 2009 World Wheelchair Curling Team, and 2010 Paralympic Team. All of the athletes selected are members of the Sitrin STARS Program. “Wheelchair curling is more than a recreational sport,” said DePerno. “These athletes are competing on the world stage, and the experiences they have had playing against teams from all over the world have changed their lives forever.” This was most evident last year when the wheelchair curling team won a bronze medal at the World Wheelchair Curling Championships held in Switzerland. It was the first time that an American team has ever medaled in the sport of wheelchair curling. “We must do all that we can to provide accessibility for these athletes, and for those who will participate in the future,” said DePerno.
In addition, many Sitrin STARS athletes practice and compete at the UCC. Currently, there is limited accessibility to the ice. In order to compete, wheelchair curlers are either assisted down the stairs one at a time, or move down the steps one at a time in a sitting position. Sometimes the wheelchair athletes even exit from the front, wheel themselves around the building (often through the ice, snow, and freezing temperatures), and enter again through the back. These methods are highly undignified and injurious.
Moreover, having a ramp would increase the UCC’s ability to host larger national and international events. Currently, it is difficult to have a large number of wheelchair athletes trek through the snow to access the ice in a timely fashion. A ramp would further afford UCC and Sitrin STARS athletes the opportunity to train and compete against elite level athletes from all over the world.
“I commend our local representatives, Senator Joseph Griffo, and Assemblywoman RoAnn Destito for recognizing and fighting for this worthwhile grant that will assist our athletes and all individuals interested in engaging in this exciting sport,” added DePerno. “The Utica Curling Club serves as the home club and practice center for our STARS athletes; by helping to ensure its accessibility, we are not only investing in the program and the club, but also our community and its future.”
Sitrin STARS is an innovative adaptive sports and recreation program offered through the Sitrin Medical Rehabilitation Center. The program provides individuals with physical disabilities opportunities to lead full, active lives. Sitrin STARS has been in partnership with the Utica Curling Club since 2002.
