The History of the Wings of Steel

No child wants to be left out. Fortunately, physically disabled children in South Jersey now have the chance to participate fully in a competitive sport. The Wings of Steel sled hockey team gives a wide range of disabled kids the opportunity to play hockey by skating on the ice on sleds, using their arms and two hockey sticks with picks to propel them across the ice. For the past 8 years, the Virtua Wings of Steel has provided this athletic experience to physically disabled kids, ages 6 through 18, who converge in Voorhees, NJ to play. The philosophy of the Wings of Steel is to fully fund the cost of ice time and equipment through fundraising as many families of physically disabled children face financial challenges.

Our success is measured in the smiles of the kids and their improved physical well-being. For a few, the success is even greater. At the 2006 Torino Paralympics, Mt. Ephraim’s Tim Jones competed with the USA Sled Hockey team that brought home the Paralympic sled hockey bronze medal. Up until the final sled hockey roster for the Torino in January, 2006, Tim’s home team was the Virtua Wings of Steel, and he continues to practice with the team and mentor the younger players.

Every day, more and more children become involved in this sport, some for recreation and some for competition. Not all are able to afford it, but we never turn anyone away. Can you help the Virtua Wings of Steel continue its legacy of providing this unique opportunity and Paralympic dreams to disabled children? We are asking for any support that you can provide for our upcoming fundraiser, our 2nd annual Golf Tournament on April 24th at the Ramblewood Country Club. A cash donation will help to pay directly for the cost of ice time, sleds for athletes, and protective equipment for the hockey players. A gift certificate or service credit would help up raise additional funds at the golf tournament.

All donations are tax deductible through our affiliation with Sled Hockey America, a non-profit 501(3)c organization; 100% of monetary donations will be dispersed to the Wings of Steel. Of course, we invite you to directly support our Golf Tournament by purchasing tickets or sponsoring one of the 18 holes.