FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Kim Muhammad 720-506-4780 Roller Skating Today (RST) An Online Resource Station for avid, quad, R&B skaters PO Box 7257 Denver, CO  80207 11-15-2006 Blind Student Teaches Skate Instructor “There's More to Skating than Meets the Eye” Morrow, GEORGIA - Roller Skating guru Bill Butler eats, drinks and sleeps the sport he loves and has taught for more than 50 years.  After decades of teaching, it would seem few things would present a challenge for the long-time instructor yet every lesson with student Marshall Lee Ratliff offers Butler fresh experiences. “This is the first time I've ever had to do this kind of teaching,” he said.  “It's different when you have to get into another person to make them feel safe and acquire a communication with them.”   What makes his sessions with Ratliff completely unique is the fact that the 51-year-old student was born blind and suffers from other speech and physical disabilities.  Despite what many others would view as multiple set backs, Ratliff is extremely enthusiastic about his twice-weekly skating lessons and describes his 72-year-old teacher as a “wonderful” instructor.   Ratliff's sister and caretaker, Diane Odom, says her brother's skating has greatly improved since he began lessons nearly two years ago.  She recalls her sibling initially learning to skate at the age of five but adds that his skills have markedly improved over the past two years thanks to Butler's intense training. “[Marshall] can do so many more steps:  his crossovers and backward skating.  He is much more confident out on the skating rink,” she said, adding that if time allowed she would transport him an extra day every week to Skate Zone, the Georgia rink where his lessons are held. This inspirational story and Butler's rare ability to bring roller skating to life under any circumstance should prove an article or feature of interest to your readers and/or viewers.  Media interviews can be arranged by contacting RST at the above number.  Additional information about Bill Butler can be accessed via his online “Good Jammin' News” column on the RST website.  Many around the world saw a small taste of Butler's influence and impact in the 2005 Fox Searchlight film “Roll Bounce” on which he served as the Skate Director/Advisor responsible for all skate-related aspects of that popular film. RST advocates quad roller skating for physical, mental and emotional fitness and well being and also encourages non-skaters to find at least one positive activity in life that they love as much as skaters love to skate and participate in it frequently.  Visit http://rollerskatingtoday.com for more information. Pictured (l to r): Bill Butler and Marshall Ratliff at Skate Zone in Morrow, Georgia during a weekly class session held in early November. (Photo credit:  sk8photos.com) Posted 11/17/06

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