Jody Grimaldi, Variety of Illinois, Tent 26
America's first Liberty Swing was unveiled and dedicated to Swann Special Care Center, which cares for children and adults with profound mental and physical disabilities, in Champaign, IL on June 30. The simple act of swinging through the air, something most children take for granted, overjoyed young residents of the Swann Center during a memorable dedication ceremony as they tested the new swing made especially for the disabled.
Designed in Australia by Wayne Devine, the Liberty Swing accommodates children in wheelchairs or those unable to use a conventional swing. Variety of Illinois purchased the Swing three years ago when it hosted the international convention in Chicago and they chose the Swann Center as the first site in the western hemisphere to get one! The original Liberty Swing opened in Australia in 2001 and now there are 130 Swings throughout Australia and New Zealand and one in the United Kingdom. In keeping with Variety's international reach, parents of Swann Center's residents will be given keys that allow them to use any Liberty Swing around the world.
As he waited for his turn, Swann Center's own Randy Cockrell could barely contain his excitement. "Yay!" he shouted, laughing, as he rolled up to the Swing. After being buckled in, Randy grabbed one of the bars, threw his head back and shouted "Whee!" Thereafter, all of Randy's friends were equally as thrilled once they too had their first ride!
Tent 26 president Nick Liberati exalts, "Nothing makes our children smile more than swinging through the air!"
To request a Liberty Swing CD or for further information about how your organization can provide a Liberty Swing for the disabled in your community please contact Andrew Whitford.
Telephone: (626) 585-8006 or Email: awhitford@libertyswingusa.com
