Breakaway 2026
March 10th, 2026
at
Wollman Rink at Central Park
6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
|
|
Breakaway is the name of our bi-annual fundraiser in support of the Wheelchair Sports Federation Sled Rangers, our 6th such bi-annual event.
The Wheelchair Sports Federation Sled Rangers is an adaptive para ice hockey program for physically disabled youth. We continue to change perceptions and ideas about what people with physical disabilities are able to do. And when sled ranger athletes walk or wheel into their classrooms and tell their able-bodied friends that they are hockey players, it changes how their friends see them, how their parents see them, and how they see themselves.
We are increasing self-esteem, self-confidence, and independence. And today, more than 100 Sled Ranger athletes have experienced the accomplishments, disappointments, and growth of character that comes with being on a team. Our athletes are aged between 5 and 21, and reside in all five boroughs of NYC, as well as Long Island, Westchester and Rockland Counties, and southern Connecticut. The kids and families are from diverse socio-economic backgrounds. We are committed to covering the costs for any athlete who wants to play, regardless of their ability to pay. This event will help us to raise money to pay for sleds and equipment, ice time, coaching and development, transportation, and outreach.
We continue to attract new players and have been able to bring the joy of being on a team to even more physically disabled New York youngsters.
My own son, Sam, who was born with a damaged spinal cord and is paralyzed below his waist (and is a full-time wheelchair user), is now 22 years old. Currently a senior at NYU studying political science, Sam no longer has time to play sled hockey with us, but the independence and confidence that he has gained growing up can be traced, in very large part, to his experiences playing para ice hockey with the WSF Sled Rangers.
Our last event, Breakaway 2024, was very well attended with over 400 guests and including Special Guest Adam Graves. You can see the videos and photos here:
https://www.wsfsledrangers.org/breakaway-2024.html
Breakaway 2026 will showcase the team skating on the ice as well as provide an opportunity for guests to try skating in a sled as well. There will be, of course, buffet dinner and open bar.
We are actively soliciting corporate sponsors for Breakaway 2026.
Thank you to our corporate Sponsors of Breakaway 2024
