The town centre rink, operated by South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture (SLLC), frequently welcomes people from all walks of life to its open skating sessions including the local Seniors Together group, and those with varying access needs. 

Among them are 36-year-old Steven Duffy and his care worker Graeme Ashwood who are regulars on the ice most Fridays. Steven, from Greenhills, was born with cognitive brain issues and can find participation difficult due to limited communication skills and reduced mobility. 

However, according to Graeme, the former Greenburn and Sanderson pupil ‘comes to life’ on the ice. He explained: “I’m always looking for new activities for Steven and me to try, and work hard to do that in a person-centred way. That means that everything we do is based on Steven's choices, a key factor in developing his independence as much as possible. 

“We had used the gym in the centre and Steven was keen to try the ice rink on a visit one day. Thankfully, I am a confident skater, which you need to be to handle the chair on the ice, so we decided to see how we would get on. It’s fair to say, he loves it, and we are now regulars. 

“As we go along to an open session, Steven gets to be on the ice alongside a variety of other skaters and they have quickly built up a great rapport. They will often skate beside him as he has a blether with them and wants to tell them about his aftershave on that particular day. The staff there is also a big part of our day, from the admin to skate hire, to stewards and management they all make Steven and I feel welcome, and he looks forward to seeing them.  

“The fact that there is good access via a ramp at the side of the rink, as well as a disabled toilet on site makes an enormous difference. This is a huge social inclusion activity for Steven and one that it’s clear to see he really enjoys. You only need to look at the gleaming smile on his face!” 

Angela Duff, Recreation Officer at EK Ice Rink says that the ‘joy and happiness’ on the face of skaters like Steven, gives all of the team a boost. She adds: “As we are an easily accessible rink, with the added fortune of a ramp for entry and exit, as well as lift access from the main centre floors, we are delighted that we can open up our sessions to a variety of customers. 

“That means our open sessions can be attended by people like Steven and his carer or by groups from some of the local care homes. These sessions are frequented by several of our senior customers who are very welcoming of disability groups and get really involved, as we do, in making sure they enjoy their time on the ice. 

“The joy and happiness we see on the participants’ faces leave us with a great feeling.” 

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For Steven’s mum Christine, and dad Gerald, seeing their youngest son have access to, and be included in, activities such as ice skating is a reminder that disability should not be a barrier to fun.  She adds: “Steven doesn't communicate very well but his understanding and comprehension are good, and he loves being around people and taking part in new things.  

“He has worked with Graeme for more than 15 years and they have a great relationship. He decides day-to-day what Steven does and always comes up with a varied itinerary for him. He is particularly good at thinking outside of the box. Even throughout covid, or on the worst weather days, Graeme made sure he got out, even if it was just to slide down the hill in the snow. So, when he suggested trying ice skating, we just knew that, if the access was there, he would love it. 

“It’s a fantastic way of showing people that, regardless of the physical or mental obstacles, they can still participate. It’s very freeing, and something he couldn't have done without the rink's options and accessibility. We are grateful as ever to Graeme, but also to the team at the ice rink who are working hard to make sure that access and inclusion in sport are no longer just for the few.” 

Open skating sessions are currently running Thursday to Sunday during the October-March curling season (except school holidays) Three sessions are available Thursday and Friday through to 9 pm, four on a Saturday to 6:45 pm and two on Sundays with the second finishing at 2:45 pm. 

More information on all of the activities at the ice rink including its regular programme, open sessions and more is available on the SLLC website. Alternatively, you can contact the team directly by email or by calling 01355 223498