OTMJ OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL u OTMJ.COM
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THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2019
SPORTS
OVERCOMING
Odds
Biggins Finds His Niche on the Golf Course and Ski Slopes By Rubin E. Grant
Journal photo by Jordan Wald/Joesph photo courtesy United Ability
C
hris Biggins is no ordinary two-sport athlete. He has battled cerebral palsy, a permanent movement disorder, since he was practically a baby. “My family found out when I was 1 or 2,” Biggins said. “My development was slow and they figured something was wrong. “I’ve had to have several surgeries, physical therapy and a treatment plan so I can function in day-to-day life. With the correct treatment, I do the best I can.” Even so, Biggins, 27, hasn’t let his condition stop him from becoming one of the top golfers with disabilities in the world as well as a potential Paralympics skier. Earlier this year, the Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews in Scotland and the European Disabled Golf Association debuted a world golf ranking system for individuals with disabilities. Both the United States Golf Association and United States Disabled Golf Association joined in to create the first tournament held in the U.S., called the United States Disabled Open Golf Championship. The 2019 USDOGC was the first time competitors could earn world-ranking points by playing in the event. It was held in May at
See BIGGINS, page 11
Chris Biggins, the PGA assistant golf professional at the Country Club of Birmingham, has battled cerebral palsy since he was a baby. He hasn’t let his condition stop him from becoming one of the top golfers with disabilities in the world as well as a potential Paralympics skier. Biggins serves on the United Ability junior board.
JOURNEY OF HOPE
What: A benefit and dessert reception for United Ability, featuring a performance by Brian King Joseph, “The King of Violin.” Joseph has peripheral neuropathy, a debilitating disease that affects the nerves in his hands and feet. When: Sat., Aug. 3. Doors open at 6 p.m, show begins at 7 p.m.. Where: UAB’s Alys Stephens Center Website: unitedability.org See story, page 10.