Having a physical disability doesn’t mean you can’t get out on the green! In fact, many people with all kinds of disabilities have found that golf is a great way to overcome physical challenges while having fun!
Golf can be a driving force in the physical recovery of stroke “victors,” which is why the American Stroke Association, in partnership with local golf courses and the Northern California Professional Golfer’s Association, created Saving Strokes, a Golf Fitness and Training Program for Stroke “Victors.” Saving Strokes empowers stroke victors by illustrating that disabilities need not stop them from playing – or learning – golf. Indeed, golf can improve their strength, flexibility, coordination and balance and provide a valuable social outlet for them and their caregiver. Working in conjunction with the local PGA and holding these events on community golf courses have created new venues for stroke awareness. As a result, local government entities have embraced the concept as part of their disabled sports strategy, and widespread media attention has been created (www.savingstrokes.com). The program is for stroke survivors in ALL stages of recovery.
Orem Rehabilitation and Nursing had the opportunity to help in the planning and execution of the first Utah County Saving Strokes event at Thanksgiving Point golf course in Lehi, Utah, who donated the use of their course to our event. Thanksgiving Point was recently named the number one public golf club in Utah by Golf Digest, and one of 15 “hidden gems” in the country by Links Magazine.
Orem’s role was to provide PTs for evaluations and assistance to the golf pros in maximizing each participant’s functional success on the course. Sam Baxter, DOR, and Kelly Alvord, Therapy Resource, were the PT volunteers from Orem who assisted in the event. Orem also provided nursing staff for prescreening and blood pressure checks. Orem’s own Justin Steinquist (Marketing) was the driving force behind the event with the full support of our administrator (Aaron Earnest, ED). Orem Rehabilitation and Nursing set up a booth for those in the community to see the specialized treatments we are able to provide at Orem with training in Neuro-IFRAH. BYU Golf provided the coaching staff and The Courtyard at Jamestown provided the “comfort green” that included massage therapy, beverages and snacks.
The event was a huge success and a wonderful opportunity for Orem to network in the community. It was rewarding to work with and associate with so many wonderful “Stroke Victors” and other community members involved in the event. I believe friendships were forever forged and relationships and trust forever created. We will be involved next year and are excited to see this event continue to grow.