Gaining Access with Project GAIN

Golf is one of the fastest growing activities in America today. Both for its leisure and its competitive facets, golf invites people of all ages and abilities to take part in its growing popularity. In recent years, a number of adaptive devises for golfers have become quite popular, opening the world of golf to those who may have never even considered taking part in the game.

Here in Maryland, there is a new project of the Baltimore County Department of Recreation and Parks Office of Therapeutic Recreation Services and the Greater Loch Raven Recreational Council that is working towards bringing accessible golf to local recreation enthusiasts with disabilities.

Project GAIN Baltimore (GOLF: Accessible and Inclusive Networks) is a national model inclusive golf program. Baltimore County is one of five sites selected to host Project GAIN, which is sponsored by the National Alliance for Accessible Golf and funded by the United States Golf Association (USGA) foundation, the PGA Tour, and the PGS of America Foundation. The program will provide both golf instruction and social inclusion activities. The project will operate for one year with 4 separate sessions beginning in Spring 2003. Individuals with disabilities and individuals without disabilities (ages 15 and older) will be taught how to play or how to improve in the game of golf. Adaptive equipment will be available including accessible golf carts. All lessons will be taught by PGA and LPGA golf professionals.

Do you want to golf? If you are interested in learning how to golf or how to improve your game, sign up now. We will serve a total of 100 participants (50 people with disabilities and 50 mentors/and or people without disabilities.)

Project GAIN needs participants, mentors, and volunteers in order to be successful! Actual golf and inclusive recreation lessons and activities will begin in May 2003. Call the Therapeutic Recreation Office at 410-887-5370 for more information.

With a growing number of activities that are moving toward accessibility, more high adventure sports and activities have opened doors to competition and opportunities for individuals with disabilities. As Special Olympics grows in popularity, the opportunity for athletes with disabilities has surmounted; and with new projects around the country that are encouraging athletic involvement for those with disabilities, the possibilities for athletes in the sports world is growing at a rapid pace.