Sports & Recreation
OPAF & The First Clinics offers free adaptive recreation opportunities for “regular Joes and Janes”
Photos courtesy of OPAF & The First Clinics
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id you like to play tennis, swim, kayak or participate in some other recreational activity before you became an amputee? Have you been afraid or ashamed to try it again in public since your limb loss? Or, even if you haven’t participated before, would you like to try a new recreational activity just for fun or for health reasons? If so, check out OPAF & The First Clinics. This nonprofit program provides adaptive recreational sports opportunities and clinics across the country for people with physical challenges. Current First Clinics being hosted include tennis, swimming, scuba, dance, kayaking, rock climbing, therapeutic horsemanship and golf. “The word ‘First’ in our name indicates that this may be the ‘first’ time that a participant is trying an activity or the ‘first’ time that they are attempting any recreation post surgery, illness or injury,” says Robin Burton, executive director. “Our events give participants a safe, supportive environment to try new things, as well as the opportunity to meet, network and bond with others who are differently abled.” Tammie Higginbotham, a below-knee amputee who has participated in some of these events, says that they are a great experience. “I was a demo rider at OPAF & The First Clinics’ inaugural McKeever’s First Ride in Atlanta. Being an avid horse rider all of my life, I knew the feelings of the ‘firsttimers’ as they would gently stroke the horse’s head or neck and look into those big, brown, trusting eyes. Once they were in the saddle, their faces would light up as they felt the strength of the horse, the height of the horse, and realized that they were moving about as freely as they used to. I have seen how it changes the faces of amputees when they ride for the first time or ride again.” She also saw the amazing effects on the youngsters
Robin Burton
Upcoming First Clinics April 21 McKeever’s First Ride
Gwinnet County Fairgrounds, Atlanta, Georgia May 7 First Swing Learn to Golf for Iowa Veterans
Derby Grange Golf Center, Dubuque, Iowa (Contact OPAF to confirm event has not been cancelled or rescheduled.) Visit www.opfund.org/ opaf_calendar.asp to learn about many more upcoming clinics.
at a First Volley event. “To see kids arrive at the event - some hesitant, some eager - and watch their faces light up as they began to realize that they were playing tennis was fantastic,” she says. “It was totally awesome seeing a young lady with no arms playing tennis. Gotta respect that girl! The huge smiles and excitement that filled the air at this event was truly heartwarming.” If you’d like to participate in any of these sports, contact OPAF & The First Clinics. As Robin Burton sometimes says, “You can’t beat free.” For more information and a complete list of upcoming events, please visit www.opfund.org, e-mail rlb@opfund.org, or call 319 235-4318. For more Sports & Recreation Resources, visit www.AmputeeNews.com/resources/sports-2 March/April 2012 Amp it up! magazine
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