ARLINGTON, Va. – The Washington Capitals are teaming up for the second-straight year with Dreams for Kids (DFK) for Extreme Recess Hockey on Thursday, Feb. 2 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at Kettler Capitals Iceplex. Washington Capitals right wing Jay Beagle, left wing Jason Chimera and defenseman John Erskine will help children with physical and developmental disabilities and high-level disability advocates and give them the opportunity to skate and play hockey, many for the first time.

This clinic is completely free for participants and is organized by the volunteer staff at DFK, which consists of young adults, all under the age of 25, who are working to empower youth of all abilities in our nation’s capital. There will be 70 children and their families along with 70 volunteers – one volunteer for each child – giving the children more hands on experience.

 Extreme Recess allows this often isolated group of children to engage in the types of physical activities that other children their age experience daily. Instead of sitting on the sidelines, children with physical and developmental disabilities will have the opportunity to be the sports stars. The empowerment and self-respect learned at the clinic will carry over into the children’s lives at home, in the classroom, in the community and will help them realize that their disability need not hinder them from reaching their dreams. Extreme Recess celebrates the unique ability in all children and helps them turn the adversity in their lives into opportunity. With more than 12,000 children currently living with disabilities in D.C. and similar stats for surrounding counties, it is vital that we spread awareness about the importance and power that athletics can play in the lives of children with disabilities.