The EDGA – which was formerly known as the European Disabled Golf Association – has formed a commercial partnership with the UK’s leading bed retailer Dreams to provide access to golf for people who have recently become disabled, either through trauma or the acquisition of a life‐ changing condition.
EDGA believes that the proven health benefits from golf, both from a physical activity perspective and from the social interaction aspect, deliver benefits to mental health and reduces social isolation. And it is with these benefits in mind, that the ‘EDGA Dreamers’ programme is being launched in partnership with Dreams to give recently disabled people across the UK a chance to play and experience new ways of enjoying golf.
Starting in the North West, and working alongside rehabilitation centres, hospitals and the wider medical profession around Southport, Warrington, Liverpool, Preston and Manchester, families, friends or colleagues of the recently disabled will be called on to contact EDGA to nominate their loved one, sharing why they feel they could benefit from being able to play golf.
A panel from EDGA will review the applications to assess how each individual nomination can be given the best chance to experience the game.
On creating the partnership with Dreams, Tony Bennett, President of EDGA, said: “Having dreams is important for everyone, and together with our new partners, Dreams, EDGA will help hundreds of people with a disability to have an experience of golf that may help some to achieve their dream of playing a fully inclusive sport either as a recreation or as a competitor. EDGA is excited to have Dreams join the family of partners that is adding their weight behind golf for the disabled.”
Mike Logue, Dreams CEO, said: “As a keen golf enthusiast, I know first‐hand of the enormous benefits golf, as well as exercise, can provide both physically and mentally. Quality of sleep plays an important role in that and at Dreams, we believe it forms a crucial part of general health and wellbeing. We look forward to partnering with EDGA to share our expertise and also open up new opportunities for those who are impacted by a disability.”
If you want to nominate someone for EDGA Dreamers, please see https://bit.ly/2GMsTP7 and email mark.taylor@edgagolf.com