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COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. -- Inside the Honnen Ice Area at Colorado College you'll find a group of very special ice skaters.

It's the home of C3 Therapeutic Skating.

C3 has changed so many lives since it began in Colorado Springs about a year and a half ago.

The three C's stand for challenge yourself, conquer the goal and find your confidence.

It's a vision that founder Pam Nearhoof had, to help the deaf and blind learn to skate.

Pam has been skating since 1982 so she brings plenty of experience to the table.

But, she's helping more people than just those with hearing or vision impairments.

Some of her clients are autistic.

"It's very satisfying for them," Pam said. "They get a lot of balance, coordination and muscle strength."

Another physical benefit: a smile, as their siblings join them in the rink.

Pam said it's a great way for these kids to socialize.

Luke Pitman is one of Pam's clients, and is just one example of the difference this program can make.

He was diagnosed with Down Syndrome in the womb, and has benefited significantly from the program.

Pam said, it was tough teaching Luke to skate at first.

He wanted off the ice as soon as he got on and he wouldn't even skate around the rink alone.

But, Pam encourages her skaters to take risks and believe in themselves.

She promised Luke a pair of her warm, winter gloves if he'd take a lap by himself.

Sure enough, Luke did. Now, he's one of the last skaters to leave the ice.

Luke's mom, Victoria Pitman said therapy skating has worked wonders for him.

"He's not as clumsy as he used to be and it's given him more confidence," she said.

It has also helped him in other sports and school activities.

The Honnen Ice area is located at Colorado College at 30 W. Cache La Poudre St.

Classes are ongoing and you can join at any time.

This is the schedule for 2013:

Monday 11.30-1.30 3.15-6.30

Tuesday 11.30-1.30

Wednesday 11.30-1.30 3.15-6.30

Thursday 11.30-1.30

Friday 11.30-1.30 3.15-5.15

Saturday 8.45-9.45 11.30-12.30

Call 719.339.2584 and ask for Pam to schedule lessons.