Thanks to fundraising and grant money though a California-based nonprofit organization, the Crab Meadow Golf Course is the first public course in New York State equipped with a Paramobile for use by mobility-impaired golfers, according to Newsday.
The local chapter of the nonprofit Stand Up and Play Foundation raised enough money, in addition to a $12,000 grant, to deliver the motorized wheelchair to the Town of Huntington, which owns the Crab Meadow facility in Northport. The Paramobile enables those with mobility challenges to participate in sports and other activities that require standing.
Crab Meadow's unit will be available to one golfer at a time at no charge, according to Newsday:
Anthony Netto, founder of Stand Up and Play Foundation and the inventor of the chair, said the apparatus is instrumental in helping those with mobility issues have therapy and also participate in activities.
’93It’92s for standing therapy,’94 Netto said. ’93The Paramobile is good for children to adults and helps them get therapy and avoid some of the issues associated with other therapy, such as pressure sores and things, and lets them have fun.’94
Cold Spring Harbor resident Breid Fischer helped form the Huntington chapter of the foundation and organized a fundraiser last year to get the motorized wheelchair in Huntington. Fischer had always been active in golf and other outdoor activities, but through a series of circumstances became mobility impaired.
’93It gives me the ability to go out again and play golf,’94 Fischer said. ’93Just being able to play with my family, it gives you such a freedom.’94 — Deborah S. Morris, Newsday, 5/9/2017
A second fundraiser might be scheduled in the future to help the town acquire a second Paramobile, Fischer said.
For more information, call the Crab Meadow pro shop at (631) 757-8800.
[Photo credit: Ed Betz/Newsday]