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Michael was introduced to our skating program in 2012. When we met, he was non-communicative, with compromised motor skills, and parental separation anxiety. Our first several sessions were strictly off-ice to prepare him for what he wanted to do. Part of the training includes an "eyes-up" posture, and with that our first breakthrough, eye contact. On a slow but sure pace, he began to develop the confidence to take the ice, and from there a few steps, and from there a few strides. Within the span of a year, Michael not only became an expert skater, but he is a skilled hockey player, and a mentor to our newcomers! Beyond his athletic achievements, there is a warm greeting where there used to be silence, there is a helpful son where there used to be constant need, there is Mom who gets precious respite while Michael plays hockey with his new friends, and most importantly, there is a person who has a far better chance to flourish within his family, and his community than he did just a few years ago! Well done Michael!!

Garrett has been with SNAP almost since it started.  With some pushes from his mom, Kim, he joined the team and actually found a sport he enjoyed and was good at. 

He was struggling a bit with some behaviors when he was younger. Professionals actually stated that he would be unemployable.  

But after joining SNAP, he gained discipline, found purpose, made friends and has now been employed with Vons over 7 years now.  

He is a great defensemen on our SNAP Flyer Hockey team!

Ryan is one of our athletes who happens to be blind and autistic.  His mom was wanting to find a program for him to be involved in where he could get exercise, have community and be safe.   

He started ice skating with SNAP in 2015, using a walker, then skating side by side with a coach, eventually he used a hockey stick as a cane to navigate around the perimeter of the rink.  

After he was independent with his ice skating skills, he was asked to be on the hockey team.  They had a larger puck that was made of metal, it rattled, there is also a puck that beeps.  With help from the coaches, he is able to hear the puck and engage with his teammates on the ice. 

He is also a center on the flag football team, snapping the ball with verbal cues.  

SNAP Sports makes their programs adaptable, safe and inclusive.  We are so happy to have Ryan a part of the SNAP program. 

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