OPAF-NAGA TO HOLD MAY FIRST SWING

Jeffrey S. Reznick, Ph.D.

Description

Title:

OPAF-NAGA TO HOLD MAY FIRST SWING

Creator:

Jeffrey S. Reznick, Ph.D.

Date:

4/16/2003

Text:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 16, 2003
Contact: Jeff Reznick
(202) 223-8878

OPAF-NAGA TO HOLD MAY FIRST SWING IN COOPERATION WITH AAOP MIDWEST
CHAPTER AND OF CHICAGOLAND

Washington, DC - On Thursday, May 29, 2003, the Orthotic and Prosthetic
Assistance Fund, Inc. (OPAF) and the National Amputee Golf Association
(NAGA), in cooperation with the Midwest Chapter of the American Academy
of Orthotists and Prosthetists (AAOP) and Scheck and Siress of
Chicagoland - will host a First Swing clinic at Odyssey Country Club,
19110 South Ridgeland Ave. in Tinley Park, Illinois. This clinic is free
of charge and open to all members of the O&P community, all
allied-health professionals, and every individual with a physical
challenge regardless of age or disability.

Complete program information, including a downloadable registration
form, is available now on the OPAF web site, at the bottom of the
following page: <URL Redacted>.

Allied-health professionals should take note that OPAF will be applying
to the appropriate certifying bodies for CEUs. Updates will be posted on
the OPAF web site at: <URL Redacted>.

Robert Wilson, Executive Director of NAGA (National Amputee Golf
Association) developed First Swing to instruct therapists in teaching
and encouraging physically challenged individuals to learn, or re-learn,
the game of golf. First Swing clinics enable individuals to enjoy the
unique, friendly atmosphere found on the golf course and gain a greater
sense of personal achievement.

The First Swing clinic is one of the cornerstones of the Orthotic and
Prosthetic Assistance Fund's Fit for Life program, an initiative
designed by OPAF to benefit individuals with physical disabilities who
may not want to participate in demanding aerobic exercise but still
desire an active lifestyle.

Since late 2001, OPAF and NAGA have worked together to provide an
abbreviated version of the second day instruction. These mini-clinics
offer guidance in swinging a golf club and learning how to get the golf
ball airborne.

In the full two-day First Swing program, day one offers the basics of
the game to therapists and to others interested in teaching individuals
who face physical challenges. Practitioner participants are invited to
swing a club - standing on one leg, sitting in a wheel chair, or using
only one hand - to appreciate more completely the new demands that will
be made upon their educational training as they teach others. The second
day of the clinic is devoted to therapists instructing physically
challenged participants under the expertise of NAGA members.

Last August OPAF expanded its partnership with NAGA in order to bring
First Swing clinics to annual meetings of state and regional AAOP
chapters and AOPA associations and societies. More information about
this partnership is available through the OPAF web site at:
<URL Redacted>

Leaders of state and regional AAOP chapters and AOPA associations who
wish to offer First Swing at their meetings should contact OPAF, either
by email (at <Email Address Redacted> ) or by telephone (202) 223-2878, for
complete details.

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OPAF is a 501(c)(3) public charity established in 1995 by the Orthotic
and Prosthetic National Office. Dedicated initially to providing
financial and in-kind support to the 1996 Paralympics, OPAF now
generates its own initiatives through partnerships with individuals,
organizations and institutions engaged in raising public awareness of
disability and improving the quality of rehabilitation medicine, science
and technology.

As a community-focused nonprofit organization, OPAF aims primarily to
enable individuals with physical disabilities-especially those served by
members of the orthotics and prosthetics community-to enjoy the rewards
of personal achievement, physical fitness, and social interaction.

All contributions to OPAF are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of
U.S. law, and annual sponsorships of OPAF, its programs, and its
fundraisers are available to every individual, institution, and company
inside and beyond the O&P community. For more information about
sponsorship opportunities contact OPAF at 1666 K Street NW, Suite 440,
Washington, DC 20006, Tel. (202) 223-8878, email <Email Address Redacted> , or
visit http://www.opfund.org/support/index.html

For complete information about current OPAF programs, please visit
www.opfund.org.

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Citation

Jeffrey S. Reznick, Ph.D., “OPAF-NAGA TO HOLD MAY FIRST SWING,” Digital Resource Foundation for Orthotics and Prosthetics, accessed November 6, 2024, https://library.drfop.org/items/show/221024.