Sportable, First Tee of Greater Richmond Announce Partnership

RICHMOND, VA – (Thursday, August 22, 2024) –Sportable, Central Virginia’s premier adaptive sports club, is proud to announce a new partnership with First Tee of Greater Richmond to make golf accessible and inclusive for individuals with physical disabilities and visual impairments. Supported by the Virginia State Golf Association (VSGA) and Stand Up and Play Foundation, a new pilot program will provide eight weeks of adaptive golf instruction at the Elson Redmond Memorial Driving Range at the First Tee – Greater Richmond’s downtown golf facility. Individuals with disabilities who are ambulatory or use a wheelchair are encouraged to register now at Sportable.org.

There has been quite a demand for adaptive golf among our Sportable members and we are thrilled to team up with First Tee – Greater Richmond to offer a new adaptive golf program,” commented Hunter Leemon, Sportable Chief Executive Officer. “We are proud to partner with like-minded organizations like First Tee, VSGA, and Stand Up and Play Foundation who join our commitment to creating more inclusive and accessible recreational opportunities in our community.”

Led by First Tee’s instructors, the program will focus on introducing individuals with disabilities to golf with lessons taking place on the driving range. Over eight weeks, participants will progress to playing a round of golf at the end of the program. The program is open to beginners and experienced golfers and equipment will be provided if needed.

“We are honored to work with Sportable, the VSGA, and Stand Up and Play Foundation to create this accessible and inclusive golf program,” First Tee – Greater Richmond CEO Brent Schneider said. “Our vision at First Tee – Greater Richmond is to strengthen the character of our community, and this collaborative partnership is a perfect illustration of that commitment.”

“The mission of the VSGA is to promote and serve golf in Virginia, and supporting the work that Sportable and the First Tee – Greater Richmond are doing aligns directly with our mission,” VSGA Executive Director Matt Smiley said.
“These clinics will make the game available to both new and existing adaptive golfers and help make the game more accessible and inclusive for this important community of athletes. We hope this is only the first step and look forward to growing our support of adaptive golfers in the future.”

"Empowering individuals with adaptive needs to stand up and play golf is a game-changer for their physical and emotional well-being,” said Angelica Amador Jasper of Stand Up and Play Foundation. “We're thrilled to support this initiative!"

For more information about Adaptive Golf, visit Sportable.org or contact Tyler Rowe, Sportable Senior Program Coordinator, at tyler@sportable.org or 804-340-2991.

About Sportable
Since 2005, Sportable has created opportunities and transformed lives through sport for individuals with physical disabilities and visual impairments. The non-profit organization provides sporting opportunities to more than 400 athletes of all ages by offering competitive and recreational adaptive sports programs year-round. By fostering a fun, inclusive, competitive, and accessible environment, Sportable transforms the lives of athletes and frees them to see beyond their disabilities, enhances their peer relationships and helps them to reach their personal finish line. To make an impact today, visit Sportable.com/donate.

About First Tee – Greater Richmond
First Tee – Greater Richmond is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit youth development organization whose mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values, and promote healthy choices through the game of golf. Through three major programming areas, First Tee Programs, School Program and Community Partnerships, First Tee – Greater Richmond reaches approximately 70,000 youth annually. Learn more at www.FirstTeeRVA.org.

About Virginia State Golf Association
The Virginia State Golf Association is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that serves the needs of individual golfers and member clubs across Virginia. VSGA members enjoy many benefits, including handicapping, course rating and scoring services, and the opportunity to compete in championships and events for golfers of all ages and abilities. In addition, the VSGA supports programs like the Fleming Fund, Youth on Course and the VSGA-VIP Scholarship Foundation that help build the next generation of golfers, and the Virginia Golf Hall of Fame that honors those who paved the way in Virginia golf history. The VSGA is also a proud member of the United States Adaptive Golf Alliance. Visit VSGA.org to learn more.

About Stand Up & Play Foundation
The Stand Up and Play Foundation is a 100% volunteer board of directors non-profit organization dedicated to empowering individuals with adaptive needs to engage in golf, recreation, and community. Our mission is to provide access to specialized equipment, instruction, and opportunities for socialization and physical activity, promoting independence, confidence, and joy. Through our programs and partnerships, we aim to break down barriers and create a more inclusive world for individuals with mobility challenges and abilities.