Happy Swing Grand Opening at Give Kids The World Village!

Last Thursday, February 14, Give Kids The World Village unveiled its newest attraction: a wheelchair-accessible swing ride that seats nine. The grand opening of the Happy Swing was at 10:30 a.m. and the message of the event focused on the benefits that the new ride bring to families who stay at Give Kids The World. 

The ride shares the story of the wish child, Kelly, who visited the Village in the early 1990s and it is the reason why it is named for. 

The opening ceremony was attended by families staying at the resort, staff, volunteers and members of local media. In this occasion Give Kids The World President and CEO Pamela Landwirth said the swing was a terrific addition to the Village.

“It’s so important that we make everything as accessible as possible for our visiting families,” – said Landwirth. “We’re very excited to unveil this new attraction. It’s going to bring a lot of joy to a lot of folks.

Give Kids The World Village is built to accommodate the abilities of the critically ill children it serves – and Kelly’s Sunny Swing is no exception. The brightly colored swing – topped with a rainbow and smiling sun – features eight standard seats and one specially designed space to accommodate riders using wheelchairs.

Kelly’s Sunny Swing is the fourth wheelchair-accessible attraction at Give Kide The World and it is the third ride Zamperla has given to the Village.

“Mr. Zamperla has become a dear friend,” said Landwirth. “They share our passion for giving joy to children and our passion for accessibility.”