About Us

Watch below for a quick overview of the Gliding Stars of Erie and to see them in action!

Our History

In the fall of 1999, Gliding Stars came to Mercyhurst University. Our founder Jack Schultz had seen the Gliding Stars program on Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel, and it inspired him to bring the program to Erie, Pennsylvania.

During the spring of 1999, I happened to be in the right place at the right time to be exposed to a very successful therapeutic ice skating program called SABAH (Skating Association of the Blind and Handicapped) in Buffalo, NY, getting a close-up introduction to the format and curriculum.

So many children’s lives were being changed for the better and filled with such joy. A community was formed—kids bonding and growing physically, mentally, and socially with parents and guardians supporting and encouraging one another. But, most importantly, the kids were having fun! Lifelong friendships were being formed.

We simply HAD to start a similar therapeutic program in Erie…and we did! With help from Mercyhurst University and local business sponsorships (PNC Bank, Erie Insurance, and John V. Schultz Furniture Superstore), under the guidance of professional ice-skater Linda Althof and a few volunteers, we had our first skating session in September 1999 with 20 "Stars." We became the Gliding Stars of Erie in 2004, but the program remained the same.

— Jack Schultz, Founder of Gliding Stars of Erie

That humble beginning was a learning experience for everyone involved—the Stars, their families, our director, the volunteer coaches, and all of the on-ice and off-ice volunteers.

The program has grown from the original 20 Stars to as many as 80 Stars with volunteers numbering in the hundreds, all under the directorship of Linda Althof. Gliding Stars of Erie has been active for 26 years, all of them at Mercyhurst Ice Center in partnership with their students and staff. The support of the Erie community and the Schultz family enables our program to continue and thrive. The annual end-of-season ice show has become a tradition, expanding from that first show to a full production including guest skaters and live, on-ice music by local bands…all playing to a standing-room-only audience in the rink.

How We Help

The Gliding Stars of Erie, Inc. organization is committed to providing individuals with disabilities the opportunity to maximize their personal potential through development of ice-skating skills in a consistent program of instruction and practice in our local community, culminating in the annual end-of-season performance.

Through ice-skating, people can achieve the physical benefits of improved posture, fine and gross motor coordination, strengthened muscles and improved balance. Being a social and recreational activity, our instructional program also brings together people with and without disabilities in a team-oriented, helping environment. The achievement of progressive skills creates a positive self-image that enhances the quality of life and the skaters’ ability to succeed in other life situations.

Our program is all inclusive in terms of age, race, gender and ability. An overall average of 1.5 volunteers is engaged in assisting each skater in the program, creating a significant volunteer force that propels the organization forward. Volunteers provide skaters and their families with friendship, encouragement, and support.

“I CAN DO IT! I CAN SKATE!” is a theme that is carried over from weekly training sessions to the day of the annual show. We never know what is possible when we believe anything is possible! Over the years, our skaters have learned many maneuvers on the ice, while their parents were previously told they may never walk independently. The coaches and volunteers provide upbeat encouragement while stretching the limits of each skater. Challenges are presented, and new ways of communication are explored to achieve each skater's goals.

The annual ice show is the highlight of our season. Most skaters and volunteers participate and skate in choreographed routines in between watching special guests participate in the show as well. It is a moving exhibition of the strength and dominance of the human spirit—and a testament to the ability of each person to face a challenge with courage.

Our Team