Skate Program for Paraplegics and Quadriplegics

Life Rolls On will launch its first “They Will Skate Again” event at the newly-opened Venice Skate park on Friday, Mar. 5 at 11 a.m. A revolutionary skating program that is the first of its kind, They Will Skate Again empowers paraplegics and quadriplegics with the opportunity to skateboard adaptively.

Music provided by Power106 and an exciting professional skating demonstration will prepare participants and spectators for a spectacular day of skating.

Professional skater and industry pioneer of the Dogtown Z-Boys Jim Muir, Venice skating legend Jesse Martinez and Ezekiel team rider Derek Fukuhara will be among the skating instructors. Joining them will be actor and skateboarding enthusiast Scott Caan, along with his friends and local Venice skaters Steve Olson, Alex Olson and Scott Oster. Professional chair skaters Christiaan Bailey and Aaron Fotheringham will also make a special appearance and serve as guest coaches. Fotheringham made history by successfully landing the first wheelchair back-flip. Bailey, who sustained a spinal cord injury as a result of a skating accident, currently serves as an ambassador for Life Rolls On (LRO).

“We are excited to introduce another action sport to push possibilities for the spinal cord injury community,” said Jesse Billauer, LRO’s Director of National Outreach. “Skating complements our existing adaptive snowboarding and surfing programs, so we are proud to continue fostering opportunities that demonstrate how ‘life rolls on’ despite paralysis!”

This event will be provided at no cost to participants through the generous support of sponsor Fuel TV, lunch host BJ’s Restaurant and Brewery and safety equipment provider VANS. Also supporting this event are Colours Wheelchairs, Dogtown Skateboards, Ezekiel, Popeye Moving and Storage, Power106, Sweet Treats, Tony Hawk Foundation, Venice Skate Association and Vita Coco.

WHEN:
Friday, March 5, 2010
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
*Media check-in begins at 10:30 a.m.; event participation is closed, but spectators are welcome!

WHERE:
Venice Skate Park (1800 Ocean Front Walk, Venice, CA)