Recess is often a child’s favorite part of the school day, but it is also one of the most fundamental venues for children to learn the healthy habits of physical activity that help to minimize the likelihood of childhood and adult obesity, as well as its related health risks. Many children living with physical and developmental challenges may not have the same opportunities for physical activity as their peers. Dreams for Kids changes that by giving children with physical and developmental challenges the opportunity to participate in the First Lady’s Let’s Move! Campaign though their Extreme Recess Program. 

The Washington Capitals teamed up with Dreams for Kids on Thursday, February 2, for the second year in a row, to host Extreme Recess Hockey Day at Kettler Capitals Iceplex. Capitals forwards Jay Beagle and Jason Chimera, defenseman John Erskine and mascot Slapshot welcomed 60 children as well as 60 Dreams for Kids volunteers for a fun day on the ice. The event was free and open to children living with a range of physical and developmental challenges under the age of 25. The players helped the children get acclimated on the ice and worked with them on puck handling, passing and stick work. The Capitals provided each child and volunteer with a T-shirt, and signed autographs during and after this exciting day of skating and hockey with the children’s local sports heroes!

Dreams for Kids is a volunteer based, 501 C (3) registered non-profit based in Washington, DC that empowers children with disabilities who might otherwise feel as though physical activity is out of reach. This sort of activism is at the very heart of the First Lady’s Let’s Move Outside! Initiative, and is crucial in building self esteem and confidence in the hearts and minds of these amazing children. Check out some footage from the Extreme Recess Hockey Day!