A new sledge hockey program is underway in Orillia and it was meant as a way for a dad to spend more time on the ice with his son but now it’s giving a lot of kids a chance to get on the ice for the first time.

The six week sledge hockey camp is the brainchild of Orillia OPP Constable Wade Beebe and is set-up for people with physical and intellectual challenges.

Beebe’s son has Cerebral Palsy and he wanted to get him active.

“I just wanted to play sports with him and I couldn’t because he’s going to be in a wheelchair or a walker and his cognitive skills, we had to work on that as well so we got involved in sledge and here we are.”

And with the help of many sponsors, Beebe has been able to get the players gear for free and the response has been over the top. After enrolling 12 kids in Midland in the summer, the camp has 30 players in Orillia and there are plans to keep expanding.

“We’re rotating it throughout Simcoe County to different locations to provide every single community and opportunity,” adds Beebe.

Beebe says the best part of the program is that the people on the ice have the chance to do something they never thought possible.

“They can play with her brothers and sisters, they can play with their mothers and fathers, they can come out. It doesn't matter what your disability maybe or what your limitation is or whether able-bodied, we facilitate it.”

The program is looking to expand to Gravenhurst, Innisfil, Barrie and Angus.