News And Events

 

Double Amputee Captivates Instructors and Disabled Golfers at Seminar

Maine Handicapped Skiing and the National Amputee Golf Association co hosted a “First Swing” golf clinic at the Toddy Brook Golf Course in North Yarmouth on Monday, June 2nd.   “First Swing” clinics center on the intention of providing instruction to therapists to teach and encourage the disabled to learn, or re-learn the game of golf.

The morning seminar was geared toward those that work with disabled athletes.  Bob Wilson, Executive Director of the National Amputee Golf Association fascinated the audience as he explained grip, stance, balance and swing, all with a prospective pertaining to disabilities such as amputations, stroke, or spinal cord injuries.  Bob, a double amputee, lost both legs below the knee in a Navy accident.  He has spent a great deal of time playing and trying to understand the game of golf, but was sure to tell his audience that hitting the ball was a sense of accomplishment and exercise for every golfer.

After the instructors practiced swinging with their eyes closed, on one foot, and with one arm, nine athletes with various physical disabilities joined them on the driving range, allowing the instructors to put into practice the morning’s lessons.  Athletes tried different grip devices, as well as an adaptive golf cart, which allowed wheelchair athletes to actually mimic a golf stance while still sitting.

Nancy Peters said to her instructors “I might actually enjoy this and it’s outside too.  I am showing my natural athletic ability.  I haven’t done that in years.”  Nancy had never picked up a golf club before the lesson, but is quick to add “unless you count that time I played on the Wii.” Nancy was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, a disease that can affect balance and stamina but the snowshoe program that MHS offers in the winter and now the golf has given Nancy activities that she can do at her own pace and ability to accommodate the effects of her disability.

The “First Swing” event was sponsored in part by Central Maine Orthotics and Prosthetics, Maine Adaptive Golf and the New England Rehabilitation Hospital.

 

Nancy Peters receiving instruction from Bob Wilson at "First Swing" Clinic (photo by Ray Coyle)

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