On Saturday at the Silverwood Golf Course in Saskatoon, people living with disabilities can take part in an introduction to golf event.
The Saskatchewan Wheelchair Sports Association (SWSA) is partnering with Golf Saskatchewan to hold the event which will showcase the adaptive SoloRider that the Silverwood has in stock. SWSA Bridging the Gap Provincial Coordinator Chantal Gosselin said anyone living with a physical disability can come try the adaptive cart on Saturday.
“We’re excited to offer a beginner’s guide to adaptive golf and have people learn how to use the SoloRider in a safe environment. We’ll be teaching those attending how to book the cart, how to use the cart independently and let them swing some clubs. It’ll be great to show them the how-to for future reference,” Gosselin explained.
The Silverwood has had the SoloRider since 2014. The Royal Regina Golf Club has one at their disposal as well for golfers in the Queen City.
Gosselin said it’s important for the SWSA to explore options for people living with disabilities to stay active.
“The purpose of my job (as the Bridging the Gap Provincial Coordinator) is to either find potential athletes or to introduce opportunities to people who may be interested. Either that’s someone who is already involved in activities or somebody new to their injuries who wants to regain an active lifestyle,” she said.
Every year Gosselin takes a group of SWSA members to the Silverwood and gets them onto the SoloRider as a demonstration. This event will be more involved with the assistance of Golf Saskatchewan Manager of Sport Development Steve Ryde. Gosselin said she’s excited to work with the nearly ten people that have signed up.
“I’m happy to be partnered with Golf Saskatchewan because they are the experts in golf,” she said. “It’s good to offer an activity with professional instruction to allow for a positive experience. Most of the people registered are coming out to try golf for the first time ever.”
Ryde was involved in coaching a blind golfing event earlier this year at the GolfDome in Saskatoon. He said the organization is focused on getting more people involved in the game no matter their life challenges.
“Golf is a game for all ages, and for people with physical limitations too,” Ryde said. “We are excited to share the opportunities that golf provides with the SoloRider, and to show how accessible it is to enjoy the game of golf.”
Gosselin has reached out to all the SWSA members in their data base and through her connections but if anyone knows of anybody potentially interested in taking part in the golf introduction she can be reached at 306.975.0824 or at chantal@swsa.ca