| While many golfers measure their skill by how straight and far they can hit the ball, other golfers measure their skill by how hitting the ball enhances their lives. There is something special about striking that pure golf shot which not only brings someone back to play again, but also brings out the best in that person. The First Tee of Southern Nevada's Adaptive Program demonstrates that swinging a golf club can develop life skills as much as it can develop golf skills. After only six months of operation, the Adaptive Program has expanded from one site to three, providing proof of its success. The three program sites are in Las Vegas, Henderson, and North Las Vegas. These sites are devoted to providing beginner golf instruction to individuals with physical and mental disabilities.
The Adaptive Program consists of eight-week sessions taught at various facilities in the Las Vegas area, including Las Vegas Golf Club and Lorenzi Park. Using S.N.A.G. golf equipment, a safe yet effective alternative to standard golf clubs and balls, the participants are taught the basics of golf-from the parts of a club to the method and purpose of the swing. Along with learning about golf, participants are involved with a specialized Life Skills curriculum, which teaches personal development and identification.
The instructors, many of which are teachers from adaptive physical education programs, are highly qualified to teach participants with disabilities. One instructor is present for every three participants and gives specialized instruction on the most effective way to golf, depending on his or her disability.
With golf used as a medium for the development of the participants, evidence of the program's positive impact can be seen. Joe, a physically disabled participant, originally had a difficult time being introduced to golf. He had difficulty gripping the golf club and often would hit the ball backwards. After the eight-week session, Joe has overcome his disabilities and has become a skilled swinger of the golf club. He can now hit the ball up to 50 feet, with a nice trajectory through the air. His significant improvement demonstrates his determination, patience, and growth as a person as a result of his participation.
With the great success of the program, Jane Schlosser, the Executive Director of The First Tee of Southern Nevada, hopes to expand the program even more. Future events are being planned to bring the three program sites together for a tournament on a putting course and to give the participants a chance to interact with more golfers like them.
A committee for The First Tee of Southern Nevada is dedicated to providing new ideas, events, and methods for future fundraising for the program. With the continued support of the USGA Foundation and the Las Vegas Founders Foundation, The First Tee of Southern Nevada hopes to continue the Adaptive Program for years to come. Teaching life skills, providing interaction opportunities, and developing participants through golf, the Adaptive Program is demonstrating to the community that they are making a wonderful, positive impact on individuals with disabilities.
For more information about The First Tee of Southern Nevada's Adaptive Program, visit their website at www.snjga.org |
