Eastern Star Adaptive Skating
Organization Details
Eastern Star Adaptive Skating Program, initiated in July 2022, is China's pioneering skating system tailored specifically for individuals with disabilities. This program has been consecutively honored as a Special Olympics Youth Leader Innovation Project from 2022 to 2024 (1/300; only 2 in China) and collaborates closely with Rong Ai Rong Le (NGO). The program's sponsors include the Special Olympics organization and UNICEF. Eastern Star Adaptive Skating Program is dedicated to offering ice skating opportunities for people with disabilities, currently engaging 60 volunteers to support 25 participants.
Impact Story
At 16, Zihan Guo successfully founded the Eastern Star Adaptive Skating Program in July 2022. Despite facing significant challenges such as financial constraints, social stigma, a lack of knowledge about adaptive sports/skating, academic pressure, and doubts about her leadership as a high school student, Zihan persevered. To expand awareness of adaptive sports and gain trust from the public and non-profits, she organized two large-scale educational lectures, attracting 287 participants and raising an initial fund of 12,000 RMB.
Zihan has been invited to speak at international events, including the Special Olympics East Asia Youth Leadership Summit, the International Volunteer Youth Forum, and the Rong Ai Rong Le 99 Charity Day, enhancing the project's visibility and impact. On June 15, 2024, she led her team to host China's first adaptive ice skating performance, featuring 30 skaters and 16 adaptive participants in twelve routines. This groundbreaking event attracted over 280 spectators and 40 guests, marking a significant milestone in China's inclusive sports landscape.
The program's influence caught media attention, with Hainan TV producing documentaries in November 2022 and June 2024, respectively titled "Good Deeds Across the World - In the Name of Ice" and "Good Deeds Across the World - From Flow to Bond," showcasing the project's inception and achievements. Additionally, China Education Online and Tencent Education reported on the program, further boosting its recognition and impact.
Diverse Social Enterprise
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