Saving Strokes

Having a physical disability doesn't mean you can't get out on the green! In fact, many people with all kinds of disabilities have found that golf is a great way to overcome physical challenges while having fun!

• Improve your strength, flexibility, and balance
• No previous golf experience needed
• For stroke survivors in ALL stages of recovery

Golf, along with many other types of physical activity, can be a driving force in the physical recovery of stroke victors, which is why the American Stroke Association, in partnership with local golf courses and the Northern California Professional Golfer’s Association, created Saving Strokes, a Golf Fitness and Training Program for Stroke Victors.

Saving Strokes empowers stroke victors by illustrating that disabilities need not stop them from playing – or learning – golf. Indeed golf can improve their strength and flexibility and provide a valuable social outlet for them and their caregiver. Working in conjunction with the local PGA and holding these events on community golf courses has created new venues for stroke awareness. As a result, local government entities have embraced the concept as part of their disabled sports strategy and widespread media attention has been created.

Want to stay up to date on Saving Strokes news and happenings year round?  Click Here to read the Saving Strokes Quarterly Newsletters.

Saving Strokes History

The Saving Strokes began in Sacramento in 2001 with only 26 participants. The original vision was to offer stroke survivors an opportunity to participate in golf for pleasure as well as for physical rehabilitation. Ten years later, this small program has grown to 15 sites in Northern California, Nevada and Utah and has served over 700 participants to date.

Each year the program sees approximately 40% growth in new participants, with more than half having no prior golf experience. This event envelops all ages, stages of rehabilitation and skill levels to produce an environment of learning, networking and support for all involved.

The new vision of Saving Strokes is to be able to provide the stroke survivor the opportunity to be welcomed to the game of golf, receive orientation to the game of golf, receive affordable instruction in golf, learn how to play on the golf course and to be comfortable playing with the mainstream golfing public. 

Click Here for Saving Strokes website, and their 2012 schedule of events.

For more information contact:
Jennifer Halldorson
Director, State Stroke Alliances
PH (916) 446-6505
Jennifer.halldorson@heart.org

Each year we have received heart warming letters from Saving Strokes participants telling us how golf has changed their lives, the lives of their friends and the lives of their caregivers.  People who believed their days of socializing outdoors with others was over are now out in the fresh air making new friends and getting exercise because of Saving Strokes. Check out the link to Real Stories below.

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