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home/college resources/news/Golfers With Disabilities Tee-Off On Thursdays | |
Golfers With Disabilities Tee-Off On Thursdays |
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SPRINGFIELD, Mass., Aug. 6, 2002 -- A wheelchair is no obstacle to learning or playing the game of golf, as members of the Golf For All Persons (GAP) Program demonstrate on Thursdays from 3:00 to 4:45 p.m. at the Fenway Golf Center in East Longmeadow.
Cosponsored by Springfield College’s United States Sport and Wellness Center for People with Disabilities (USSWC), and Child and Family Services of the Pioneer Valley (CFS), GAP is open free of charge to any person over age 12 with a disabling condition. Instructor Susan Teitel, a Ladies Professional Golf Association professional golfer, is on hand at the driving range and putting green to introduce new players to the game and help experienced players improve their techniques. Golfers in the program will put their skills to the test during a nine-hole outing at the Southwick Country Club on Wednesday, August 28, 2002, at 9:00 a.m., followed by a cookout. Nancy Bazanchuk, CFS director of disability resource program, is accepting reservations for the outing, as well as Thursday afternoon sessions. She expects about 40 participants. According to USSWC Director Carl Fetteroll, “Persons with disabling conditions derive the same benefits from golf as able-bodied people, such as improved physical fitness, enjoyment of the out-of-doors, and recreation with other people. One of our goals is to prepare golfers with disabilities to play with able-bodied golfers.” GAP provides adapted golf clubs and an adapted golf cart at the events. Clubs vary from standard equipment in the length of the rod and angle of the club head. The cart contains a motorized seat that can rise and tilt to allow a belted-in player to swing a club. Bazanchuk said that participation in GAP, now in its fourth season, “has exceeded our expectations and even strained our resources, but our volunteers have been able to have a one-on-one relationship with every participant.” GAP is supported by grants from the Connecticut Section PGA Golf Foundation, the Massachusetts Governor’s Committee on Physical Fitness and Sports, UNICO of Springfield, the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts, the United States golf Association Foundation, the Western M Released: 08/06/2002 |
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