AbilityFirst disabled youths learn more than clowning around

CLAREMONT - Handstands, hula hoops and hysterics were all part of AbilityFirst's after school program under the leadership of a Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey clown.

"He was a good clown. He did tricks," said Tristin Bowyer, 10, of Pomona in reference to Billy Murray, 25, of Los Angeles.

Murray entertained and taught the youths how to juggle scarfs, perform tricks with a hula hoop and stretch while wearing multi-colored makeup with red nose and matching red outfit.

"Things went great today," Murray said after his close to an hour presentation. The youths were taught juggling, balancing, focusing and listening skills, Murray said.

Julie Martin, director of the AbilityFirst Claremont Center, said the program reinforces her center's programs.

"We're AbilityFirst. We put abilities first. We have them try," Martin said.

The program was part of CircusFit, a Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey national youth and fitness program free for educators and group leaders who teach physical fitness using a combination of entertainment and circus skills.

The 16 youths at Thursday's event ranged in age from 5 to 22.

Martin said during the performance Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey would provide the children tickets to see their newest show "Fully Charged" which takes place Aug. 10 through Aug. 14 at the Citizens Business Bank Arena, 4000 Ontario Center Parkway.

Murray, who briefly talked 

At 7 p.m. Aug. 12, the youths will be headed to a Rancho Cucamonga Quakes baseball game. AbilityFirst is selling some tickets to the game to sit with the group and support its programs for $15.

For more information on tickets, contact Julie Martin at 909-621-4727.

More information on AbilityFirst, which began as the Crippled Children's Society in 1926 and operates 24 facilities for people of all ages, can be found at www.abilityfirst.org.

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