Kettle Moraine Ice Center general manager Craig Petersen helps Michael Diaz, 5, of Muskego line up a hockey shot while Isaac Rider of the Washington County Youth Hockey Association steadies him and Mary Rider looks on. Mary Rider helped form BOLD (Blind Leisure Outdoor Development) Kids, which is geared toward activities for children with visual impairments.

Ariyana Nardi, 5, of West Bend is steadied by Kettle Moraine Ice Center General Manager Craig Petersen during a BOLD Kids skate event at the center Saturday.

WEST BEND - There was more excitement on the ice than if the Stanley Cup came to town as BOLD (Blind Outdoor Leisure Development) Kids hit the ice at the Kettle Moraine Ice Center.

"Come on mom, watch me," said Liz Hahn, 10, urging mom Kathy to follow her to the rink Saturday afternoon.

Hahn, who lives in Sussex, skated last year with her Girl Scout troop. Although she admits that falling is a downside to gliding around the rink, she is eager to get out on the ice.

"I love to go," said Michael Diaz, 5, of Muskego, who discovered the joy of skating through Isaac Rider.

Rider and other members of the Washington County Youth Hockey Association served as guides, steadying new skaters who used a blue metal device similar to a walker to help them enjoy the experience and avoid falls.

Ariyana Nardi, 5, of West Bend took a break for a minute in the penalty box, but was up and out again.

It’s her first time skating.

"I like to make a figure eight," said Nardi as she headed toward Kettle Moraine Ice Center General Manager Craig Petersen with her skating buddy, Emily Breckenridge.

When he wasn’t watching figure eights, Petersen gave rudimentary hockey lessons.

Petersen said he readily agreed to BOLD Kids Chairperson Mary Rider’s query about bringing the children to the rink.

"I’m glad I was able to give them this opportunity," said Petersen.

Diaz, fascinated by the feel of the puck, got a little stick help, slapping it into the boards. He smiled at the banging noise, ready to go again.

His mom, Heidi Schludt of Muskego, stood on the sidelines, taking photos and cheering on Michael, who needed little encouragement and looked like he was having a great time on the ice.

Rider said the kids division of BOLD started this year.

"I realize BOLD is a phenomenal group, but it’s geared for adults. We needed something in addition," said Rider of the more child-centered activities.

Schludt said Michael has been to several BOLD activities, but this is his first BOLD Kids event.

"When we go to the other activities, it’s a very long day and some activities are mainly for older kids and adults," said Schludt.

Rider said BOLD Kids started with a discussion with Southeastern Wisconsin Lions BOLD President Ken Sosalla.

"When my daughter Peggy suddenly lost half her vision, it changed our life in a heartbeat. The object of (BOLD Kids) is to get kids to realize all their potential," said Rider.

Other members of the youth group attend regular BOLD events - tandem bike riding, fishing, horseback trips and Harley rides.

Rider said they are looking at holding a BOLD Kids Christmas party, a swim date and a craft event.

Children up to age 12 who are visually impaired are invited to join in the BOLD Kids fun.

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