AusLeisure

An innovative new program to encourage people with disabilities to participate in golf is to be introduced at Perth’s Point Walter Golf Course.

Set to be launched on 10th October, Creating Pathways to Golf aims to give over one million people (located within a half an hour drive of Perth city), first-time access to a world-class disability program dedicated to golf, backed by a current PGA professional.

Funded by a grant from the WA Golf Foundation and backed by partners including Golf WA, PGA WA, Golf Australia, Special Olympics, Sporting Schools Program and Starting New at Golf (SNAG), the program champions the development of golf to intellectually disabled participants.

Commencing with those aged five to 16 years, Creating Pathways to Golf aims to support proven key benefits for participants including increased physical skills, a sense of achievement, new ways to become and stay connected to healthy activity, community participation and gain important positive social interactions.

The program will offer the community four different programs suited to every level and range of disability, including MyGolf, Learn Golf Play Golf, Vacation Golf and a Golf Academy. Across each, instruction will be providedby experienced teachers, volunteers and former golf professionals to suit each individual, and using specially modified and designed equipment if needed.

Creating Pathways to Golf is an initiative within Belgravia Leisure’s Access and Inclusion Program which leads the approach to creating and fostering sport and recreation opportunities for all people, regardless of age, disability, health or cultural backgrounds.

Belgravia Leisure’s National Disability and Diversity Manager, Associate Professor Jeff Walkley, explains “research tells us that people with an intellectual disability engage less often in sport and social interactions and have a higher occurrence of conditions such as hypertension and obesity than people without a disability.

“We are taking a multifaceted approach with the Creating Pathways to Golfprogram by working alongside schools, organisations and communities to help them feel supported and connected to golf as a sport.”

Along with Professor Walkley, Point Walter Golf Course Manager Clarke Osborne has been pivotal in bringing Creating Pathways to Golf to life. With over 25 years’ experience in golf and sport and movement education, Osborne wants to see the offered on a regular basis.

He explains “in the years I have been teaching golf and other sports to people living with disabilities, I have seen first-hand the positive impact it has on not only the individual, but the volunteers too - it’s extremely rewarding.

“We are immensely thankful to the WA Golf Foundation for providing funding, and very grateful to have the resources and expertise of our partnersand look forward to welcoming local participants and volunteers to the club.”

For more information go to www.belgravialeisure.com.au

Images courtesy of Belgravia Leisure.

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