Easter Seals promotes bike riding
Chronicle Media — June 13, 2015Easter Seals is accepting rider applications for iCan Bike, being held the week of July 6-10, at the East Peoria Event Center.
iCan Bike uses adapted bicycles, a specialized instructional program and trained staff to enable individuals with disabilities learn to ride a two-wheel bicycle. Participants attend one 75-minute session each day for five consecutive days where they learn to ride while accompanied by a volunteer spotter. Over the course of the week, the bikes are adjusted in an effort to challenge riders appropriately as they gradually discover the skill and joy of riding.
The program is offered to individuals ages 8 and up who have a diagnosed disability and are able to walk without assistive devices.
Four sessions available: 9 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.; 10:35 a.m. – 11:50 a.m.; 12:45 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.; and 2:20 – 3:25 p.m. The camp fee is $75. A limited number of scholarships are available through the Lora DeAnn Broers Memorial Scholarship Fund.
Easter Seals has been coordinating iCan Bike camps for over nine years, and will offer the 2015 camp July 6-10 at the East Peoria Event Center, home of the East Peoria Sluggers and The House of Speed.
Energetic volunteers are also needed. Volunteers are paired up with a specific child for the full week of iCan Bike and serve as spotters, walking or running alongside the rider to provide encouragement and physical support as needed. Volunteers need to be at least 16 years old.
Rider and volunteer applications are available online at www.ci.easterseals.com. For additional information on iCan Bike or to request a paper application, contact Jessica Brack at 309-686-1177 or jbrack@ci.easterseals.com.