The Anaheim Ducks 12th annual Power PLAY! initiative will be unveiled at SLDC on Aug. 31 as Ducks staff volunteers, community partners and mascot Wild Wing will be on site to present the brand new outdoor street hockey rink along with other elements of the campus enhancements to the students. Additionally, Ducks radio broadcaster, Steve Carroll will serve as the emcee for the event. Showcasing the Anaheim Ducks commitment to Orange County and dedication to making hockey accessible to all members of the community, the Ducks will also provide SLDC students with street hockey equipment, including hockey sticks, balls, and nets.
“The Anaheim Ducks are committed to supporting the Orange County community and inspiring children to reach their full potential,” said Aaron Teats, Club President. “We look forward to seeing the students at SLDC enjoying the new and enhanced features at the school and hope that these upgrades will help them in their educational endeavors.”
Located in Buena Park, SLDC specializes in providing education and therapy to children and adults with special needs in an environment that nurtures growth, inspires achievement and maximizes their potential. The nonprofit school and therapy center serves community members from all over Southern California, including Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside and San Bernardino counties. As part of the Anaheim Ducks commitment to Hockey is for Everyone programming, the Ducks partnered with SLDC to further grow the game of hockey in the community and help create positive change in the lives of local children and families in Southern California.
“SLDC is incredibly grateful for the opportunity to partner with the Ducks on this project,” said Dr. Adrienne Kessler, CEO of Speech and Language Development Center. “What makes Power PLAY! special, is it creates accessibility. Here at SLDC, all abilities can now play hockey, be a part of organized sports and celebrate their inner athlete. We believe in creating inclusive communities where everyone can participate. Power PLAY! does just this.”
SLDC is an invested participant in the Anaheim Ducks S.C.O.R.E. (Scholastic Curriculum of Recreation & Education) Program since joining during the 2021-22 season. Ducks S.C.O.R.E. offers a three-pronged approach to enrich the education of students: an in-class education program that donates school supplies and includes an incentive-based reading program (Reading is the GOAL), a science & math program (First Flight Field Trip) as well as a street hockey physical education program. S.C.O.R.E. is the one of the flagship programs of the Anaheim Ducks Foundation.
Speech and Language Development Center (SLDC) is located at 8699 Holder Street Buena Park, CA 90620
