Special Olympics Camp Shriver participants got an unforgettable experience, taking the floor at Amerant Bank Arena for a floor hockey clinic with Florida Panthers player Carter Verhaeghe.
Camp Shriver is an annual two-week program for children with and without disabilities, ages 10 to 18, filled with games, learning opportunities, and hands-on experiences.
A camp organizer described what the day meant for the kids in attendance.
"What better experience than floorball at Amerant Bank Arena? I'm so excited for the bus ride home and them sharing their experiences. Getting to meet a professional player and be on the — not ice — but on the floor with him. Super surreal experience I'm sure for all of them," the organizer said.
For Verhaeghe, the clinic was just as meaningful.
"It's all about inclusion and it's just amazing to be a part of and to see the kids smile. And some of the kids never played hockey before, so they're just having fun. I think they would play for hours if they could. So I'm just so lucky to be fortunate to be a part of it," Verhaeghe said.
Verhaeghe was impressed by the skills on display during the clinic.
"Kids are doing the moonwalk stick handling the ball. I'm like, I can't even do that. So it's pretty cool to see all their personalities and they're celebrated for who they are," Verhaeghe said.
When asked why giving back is important to him, Verhaeghe reflected on the opportunities he has been given.
"Giving back is really important. I mean, the community and everyone, so many people have put in so much time to us and we're really spoiled. And I think there's a lot of people, and especially in this community and all over the world, that aren't as lucky as us, and haven't had as much time or the opportunity to be able to do stuff like play hockey or athletics and stuff like that. So it's really important for everyone to be able to experience that," Verhaeghe said.
Verhaeghe even hinted that some of the moves he picked up from the campers could make an appearance during the upcoming season.
"I think I have more fun right now just watching them. I'm learning different tricks. Maybe I can try this year. The moonwalk one especially might happen actually. So we'll see your new celebration," Verhaeghe said.
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