For most toddlers, taking their first steps can be a daunting prospect, but three year old Elliot Jordan is one cool kid.
Elliot, affectionately known as Ed by his family because of his initials, Elliot David, was born with Tallipese (club foot) on his right foot and began corrective treatment at just nine days old.
He was treated at Doncaster Hospital, in Worksop, using The Ponseti method of casting and manipulation, which is normally non-invasive, although Ed required a Tenotomy to cut a tendon.
Following the operation, Ed had to wear ‘Boots and a Bar' from the Orthotics department at Bassetlaw. To his family and the hospital’s surprise, he was able to balance and shuffle along and rarely tripped over.
So keen to get moving, in October last Ed’s family signed him up for First Steps, a popular family ice skating programme for parents and toddlers at iceSheffield, and he is now king of the rink.
Ed’s dad Paul Jordan, from Worksop, who has been participating in First Steps with his son, said: “Elliot loves it. It’s obviously increasing his skills, balance and coordination, which is brilliant, but he has great fun at the same time. I have already recommended the programme to other parents and their children.
“Ed loves iceSheffield, his instructor Helen and friends in his class. On a personal level, I love that Ed and I have found ice skating together. He is improving at a blistering rate and somehow I am managing, at least for the time being, to keep up!”
In the last year, more than 300 people have taken part in iceSheffield’s First Steps sessions, which are designed to help youngsters gain confidence and social experiences on the rink.
Taught by professional ice-skating coaches, the fun and progressive learn to skate classes are held twice a week for a maximum of five children aged between two and five years old.
First Steps coach John Horne said: “First Steps helps give the parents more confidence to bring their kids skating. They know they might not be very confident initially, and they don’t want to hurt themselves or their kids. So when I come along the parents can learn from what we teach the kids.”
Christina Chitwood, international ice-dance medallist who skates at iceSheffield, said, “First Steps is a fantastic programme. It’s enjoyable for the parent and child, while teaching them both a new skill.
“It is also a great way for young, upcoming skaters to start in the sport. To become successful in ice skating, it is a great advantage to begin at a very young age. Even if it is just a hobby, it increases children’s confidence and provides many interesting and unique experiences.”
Participants in the First Steps programme attend classes once a week, divided into three-week segments.
First Steps classes run on Tuesday mornings at 10am-10.30am, 10.30am-11am and 11am – 11.30am and Thursday afternoons at 3.15pm – 3.30pm.
Sign up in person by visiting iceSheffield’s reception or call 0114 223 3900.
