INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Golf is challenging enough. Try playing it blind, in a wheelchair or while relying on a walker to get around an emerald green golf course. These are the obstacles 18 athletes with the Special Olympics of Indian River County have while chipping, putting and driving the ball during practice sessions at Sandridge Golf Club.
“If they can manage to make contact with the ball once in a while, it goes a very long way for the athlete and the instructor,” explains Noreen Davis, marketing director of Sun Up Abilities Resource Center of Indian River County, a non-profit agency dedicated to meeting the needs of people with developmental disabilities in Indian River County.
No skills are required. There are no costs for the athletes.
County-owned Sandridge opens up its facility to the Special Olympics athletes at 4 p.m. on Mondays, and staffers mentor them, while Special Olympics volunteers are on hand to monitor athletes who range in age from young adults to senior citizens.
The weekly outings offer athletes with disabilities such as blindness, cerebral palsy and autism, a chance to learn new skills, while getting fresh air and exercise.
Bela Nagy, director of golf at Sandridge, says this sport in particular is ideal for people with disabilities because it doesn’t require a lot of physical strength.
“They can’t play football or basketball, but they can pick up a golf club and swing. And they can do little putts and chips and get a lot of satisfaction.”
Some athletes progress slowly. Others may start from the beginning each week, but that’s the challenge and beauty of it, Nagy adds.
Sandridge staff members and Special Olympics volunteers such as Davis are on hand to rally the athletes, encourage them, and teach them new skills.
Whatever they’ve been doing during those weekly practices, it seems to be working.
Recently, the group of golfers won eight blue ribbons for First Place during a Special Olympics tournament held in West Palm Beach.
Up the road in Sebastian on Wednesdays, 12 Special Olympics athletes practice on a Sebastian golf course.
The local chapter of Special Olympics also offers swimming this time of year. About 20 athletes meet at the Leisure Square pool on Saturdays.
Another group goes to the county pool in Sebastian. All swimmers are preparing for the state games for swimming to be held in Sebastian on Aug. 25.
“When people comment on how nice it is that we do volunteer work, my answer is always that it’s really kind of selfish of me because I think I get more out of working with these unique, special people than they get from learning a new skill,” says Davis.
Speaking of the satisfaction evoked by a blind and mentally challenged Special Olympics golfer, Davis recounts, “This athlete sunk a putt, and everyone began crying. They may not get rich, but at that moment, it meant the whole world to him.”
No matter what the sport, the rewards are evident, adds Theresa Stewart, acting county coordinator for the Special Olympics of Indian River County.
“When we get them in the water, they are so happy and proud of what they can do,” she says. “We give them lots of encouragement and help make them feel happy, and that’s what it is all about.”
