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Nan
Wolbert, a registered nurse, sustained a severe head injury in an automobile
accident. Looking for a recreational activity that could improve her concentration
and balance, and that she could enjoy with her husband, she elected to try
golf. In the process, Nan discovered that the experience offered a renewed
self-confidence in life. The fun, friendship and improved self -esteem she
found on the practice tee carried over into her non-golf related activities.
Because of her success with golf as therapy, Nan pursued the possibility
of offering lessons to others with disabilities, giving birth in 1989 to
Golf 4 Fun, a non-profit, 501 (c) (3), tax exempt organization.
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| Golf4Fun
Objectives: |
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- Offer
group lessons by PGA professionals to all interested people with physical
disabilities.
- Provide
a recreational therapy activity for our disabled community, including
our returning disabled veterans.
- Increase
the number of students each year.
- Promote
the social and recreational aspect of the game.
- Help students
feel comfortable about going out and playing with family and friends.
- Help participants
obtain adaptive equipment.
- Encourage
a friendly, understanding and positive volunteer pool.
- Establish
other Golf 4 Fun programs statewide.
- Offer
assistance in establishing programs nationwide.
- Raise
funds to accomplish all objectives.
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| Golf4Fun
Accomplishments: |
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- Each year
over 100 students are given lessons by PGA teaching professionals. There
are three 5-week sessions, May through August and feature individualized
instruction on the driving range, chipping area and putting green. Occasionally,
playing opportunities during or after class time are accomodated.
- Participants
include individuals with spinal cord injuries, amputation, stroke residual,
visual impairments, head trauma, cerebral palsy, and other birth anomalies
and neromuscular diseases.
- An Annual
Play/Day Picnic is held for volunteers and students at the end of August.
Students play nine holes at a Par 3 course, assisted by volunteers,
family or friends.
- A highly
successful Benefit Tournament is held each May. Individuals with and
without disabilities play together and prizes for everyone are awarded
at the luncheon following play.
- Satellite
operations have been started in Boulder, Colorado Springs and Fort Collins.
Other statewide sites also are under consideration.
- Golf 4
Fun has donated several Golf Xpress carts to courses all around metro
Denver. They are single rider machines designed to go everywhere a golfer
goes - onto tees, into traps and upon greens. They are equipped with
a number of different features to accomodate a variety of disabilities
and needs. Their use is free of charge at all locations.
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