|
GAIN-ing Ground: A Unique Golf Training Program For Persons With Disabilities Launches In Baltimore Contact Gary Robb ALEXANDRIA, Va. (March 27, 2003) - On April 14-15, 2003, Project GAIN (Golf: Accessible and Inclusive Networks) launches in Baltimore, MD, with a two-day training program. It will teach golf professionals, rehabilitation specialists, recreation professionals, volunteers and mentors how to implement a rigorous program of golf instruction and social development for people with a wide variety of disabilities. Project GAIN will organize and conduct community-based programs to introduce people with disabilities to the game of golf. Program organizers and disabled golfers, including novice golfers, will demonstrate how those with limited sight, cognitive or physical abilities (including amputees and paralyzed individuals) can play the game of golf. Project GAIN is sponsored by the National Alliance for Accessible Golf and funded by the United States Golf Association (USGA) Foundation, the PGA TOUR and the PGA of America Foundation. This national program will provide both golf instruction and social inclusion activities and will operate for one year with four separate sessions beginning in Spring 2003. Individuals with and without disabilities (ages 15 and older) will be taught how to play or improve in the game of golf. Adaptive equipment will be available including accessible golf carts, and all lessons will be taught by PGA and LPGA golf professionals. The April 14-15 training program will serve a total of 100 participants -- 50 people with disabilities and 50 mentors and/or people without disabilities -- and will be held at Greystone Golf Course, 2115 White Hall Road, White Hall, MD, in northern Baltimore County. The training program is for staff, volunteers and mentors who will be conducting the program along with people who have been selected and who have volunteered to serve on the Project Steering Committee. Actual golf and inclusive recreation lessons and activities will begin in May 2003. For more information, contact Baltimore County Department of Recreation and Parks, Office of Therapeutic Recreation Services at (410) 887-5370 or visit www.co.ba.md.us/Agencies/recreation/therapeutic.html. Project GAIN is sponsored by the National Alliance for Accessible Golf. The National Alliance for Accessible Golf was formed in the summer of 2001 by leaders from the golf industry and representatives of organizations serving people with disabilities and golfers with disabilities. Participants involved in the formation of the Alliance include the United States Golf Association, the Professional Golfers Association of America, the Ladies Professional Golf Association, the National Golf Course Owners Association, the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, the Club Managers Association of America and the First Tee. University representatives and organizations and individuals representing golfers with disabilities are also involved. The National Alliance for Accessible Golf is located at Indiana University's National Center on Accessibility, Department of Recreation and Park Administration, School of Health, Physical Education and Recreation. For more information about the project, e-mail naag@indiana.edu. |