Teen with no hands barred from rides at SeaWorld

[Ether]

A teen born with no hands is humiliated after being kicked off a roller coaster at SeaWorld - one she says she’s been allowed to ride before.

According to the amusement park, 17-year-old Katie Champagne didn't meet safety requirements, the Orlando Sentinel reported.

“My heart just sank,” she said, explaining how a SeaWorld Orlando employee told her she had to exit the Kraken coaster.

“I was like, ‘Oh no, not again,’ ” she said.

While Champagne insists the park has allowed her to ride the coaster before, it’s not the first time safety rules have prohibited her from having fun. She recounted to the Sentinel being barred from Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey at Universal Studios’ Islands of Adventure in December.

In both situations, Champagne was told she couldn’t ride because of her disability. Without hands, she wouldn't be able to grasp the pull-down harness, employees stated.

“Our policies regarding guests with disabilities were written in consultation with ride safety experts,” said SeaWorld Orlando spokesman Nick Gollattscheck.


http://www.nydailynews.com/news/nati...icle-1.1016919



Seriously, why would you name your daughter with no Hands: Champagne ?

[Pretty Boy32]

[Verstyle]

What's the issue??? If she doesn't meet the SAFETY requirements than she doesn't. That's like dwarf's consistently complaining that they can't ride a ride that could potentially have them fly out of their seat because of their height.

People just love publicity.

[JRM]

.......................

[Sweet Pea 50]

She goes flying off a ride, and loses her entire head, then the parents probably try to sue the Park for millions.

Sound business sense.

[Miburo]

A teen born with no hands is humiliated after being kicked off a roller coaster at SeaWorld - one she says she’s been allowed to ride before.

According to the amusement park, 17-year-old Katie Champagne didn't meet safety requirements, the Orlando Sentinel reported.

“My heart just sank,” she said, explaining how a SeaWorld Orlando employee told her she had to exit the Kraken coaster.

“I was like, ‘Oh no, not again,’ ” she said.

While Champagne insists the park has allowed her to ride the coaster before, it’s not the first time safety rules have prohibited her from having fun. She recounted to the Sentinel being barred from Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey at Universal Studios’ Islands of Adventure in December.

In both situations, Champagne was told she couldn’t ride because of her disability. Without hands, she wouldn't be able to grasp the pull-down harness, employees stated.

“Our policies regarding guests with disabilities were written in consultation with ride safety experts,” said SeaWorld Orlando spokesman Nick Gollattscheck.


http://www.nydailynews.com/news/nati...icle-1.1016919



Seriously, why would you name your daughter with no Hands: Champagne ?

Uh, it's her surname? Kind of a non-story though. Unfortunate, but they can't be faulted for enforcing safety standards.

[mushahadeen]

If you click on the Daily News link, she's kinda hot.