February Blog

U.S. Paralympic Sled Hockey Team players look on during practice at the Blue Sport Stable

Welcome to the first article to kick off our brand new monthly blog series. The Blue Sport Stable and its employees are always looking for ways to keep you up to date on the latest news and events happening in the building. 

Nathan Burch, our Assistant GM of the Blue Sport Stable, got the remarkable opportunity to interview Declan Farmer, US Ice Sled Hockey Player and Paralympic Gold Medalist. 

The Paralympic Games are set to start on Friday, March 6th and go until Sunday, March 16th. The Paralympics, which Declan explains means “parallel” to the Olympics, start just 11 days after the Olympics Closing Ceremony on Sunday, February 22nd. They are being hosted in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy and our team at the Blue Sport Stable plans on hosting a viewing party to make sure we don’t miss a second of Declan and his team on the ice. Stay tuned for specific dates and times!

Declan Farmer was born without legs and has been using prosthetics his whole life. After years of being in able-bodied sports, Declan’s parents introduced him to his first adaptive sport, Sled Hockey. He fell in love with the camaraderie, speed of the game, physicality, and skill work that the game brings to its players. However, Declan’s passion for the game didn’t get really serious until the age of 12 and just two years later, he later made the American national team. His first Paralympic Games were hosted in Sochi in 2014. Declan will be taking his three gold medals into this year’s Winter Paralympics. 

Declan’s advice to up and coming athletes of all skill levels was dependent on the athlete themselves. He encouraged those who were naturally driven to take breaks and enjoy the fun of the game. On the other hand, athletes who have natural talent but aren’t as driven are encouraged to follow the lead of driven athletes; learning to be critical of their games and weaknesses and learning how to train in areas that are outside of their comfort zones. After all, Declan says, talent can only get you so far. You must be able to put the work in to succeed. 

Declan and his team train at our very own Blue Sport Stable facility and have loved it for many years. They appreciate Impact Sports Performance being attached to the building and the locker rooms that allow them to enjoy their downtime and bonding time with the team. Declan believes that part of their sled hockey culture has been built in our facility. 

We can’t wait to cheer Declan and his team on this year and hope you will join us at our watch party to support these incredible athletes. You can follow Declan and his journey on Instagram @declan_farmer and keep up with our updates @bluesportstable. 

What’s Next?

Don’t miss out on our Sweetheart Skate, February 13th from 6:45 - 8:00 PM. You and a partner can enjoy two public skate admission tickets for the price of one ($10) with rentals included.

Need Summer activities for the kiddos? We have you covered! The Blue Sport Stable has partnered with Children’s Hospital Colorado and A Precious Child to bring you Kid’s Expo. On Saturday, March 28th,  you can bring your children to meet a variety of vendors that accommodate every family’s needs. From sports to art to science to everything in between, we have you covered.