Explanar, makers of the Explanar Golf Training and Fitness System have installed Systems at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center, DC and The Brooke Army Medical Center (Center for the Intrepid Building) in San Antonio to assist with the rehabilitation of injured troops returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.
Explanar CEO Tony Clark explains: “We received an email from Brian Coleman of Golf Supports Our Troops asking for golf companies to consider how they could help. I didn’t hesitate. Knowing what Explanar can do I called Brian and explained that whilst we weren’t able to provide cash, we believed that our product could add real value to the recuperation of men and women returning from duty. As a result we’ve donated 4 Systems; two for rehabilitation and two for Iraq and Afghanistan to provide entertainment for those on the front line.”
Explanar’s fitness benefits are endorsed by Premier Golf Fitness group Body Balance for Performance. David Ostrow PT of Body Balance says: “We researched Explanar carefully before installing it in our Centers and have been delighted with its performance. It helps our patients with rotation, balance and golf specific muscle development.” Imagine what it can do for the Troops.
Brian Coleman commented: “We’re extremely grateful to Explanar for their generous support. We already know that they are extremely popular with recovering soldiers and Golf Supports Our Troops intends to provide additional Systems to other military rehabilitation Centers throughout the US.”
Swinging in the Explanar is Dan Nevins at Brooke Army Medical Center.
Tony Clark actually visited the Center for the Intrepid in Texas to work with injured soldiers and to train the Physiotherapists on how to use Explanar.
Tony described his experience: “I have to say that my day with those young soldiers was one of mixed emotions. The shock of seeing so many young people (some younger that my two sons) so severely injured was extremely difficult. I saw my boys in every corner of the room. This was soon replaced with admiration for how brave they had been and how determined they were to move forward. There was not a trace of bitterness or self pity and I have to say that the support team which included Major Stuart Campbell, Michael, Justin, Mark, Bob and Kirk, should take a huge amount of credit for the positive atmosphere that was evident. Discipline was strong yet we felt that we were in a caring environment.
I took away with me some powerful images and memorable conversations with these wonderful people and it wasn’t without humour. As we were assembling the Explanar, a young soldier in a wheel chair wheeled by saying ‘Hey cool; a golf aid’. At that moment the Major boomed down at the young man ‘Soldier, this is not a golf aid; it’s a rehabilitation tool aimed at improving rotation, core stability and balance!’ With that he winked. Priceless and refreshingly human!
I had the opportunity to work with some of the soldiers, all of whom had one or two prosthetics. One of the most emotional and satisfying moments was when a shy young man with two prosthetics stepped into Explanar. He was a natural. He rotated his shoulders with width of arc and hinged his wrists beautifully. I asked him if he played golf. He said ‘No Sir’. I let him swing on his own for a few moments and then had to tell him ‘You do now soldier’.
It’s my belief that if we can help our soldiers through golf we’ll not only provide physical rehabilitation we’ll also provide them with a sport where they can compete on a level playing field with able-bodied people due to the handicapping system. Plus the social rehabilitation that golf will provide should not be underestimated. Most golf clubs and courses provide a vibrant environment that I am sure will offer support to help our heroes back into the community and in many cases a new community, widening their network and circle of friends.
Our thanks and best wishes for a rapid recovery go out to Nick, Blake, Frank, Orlando, Christian, Jay and Alex and we thank all those at the Center for the Intrepid, Walter Reed Army Medical Center for the wonderful work that they are doing.
Thanks too to Sheldon Buytenhuys, PGA Pro at Lowes Island GC Virginia, who took time out to install the Explanar at Walter Reed and to Butch Harmon, Tom Watson, David Feherty and Tom Lehman who recently visited Iraq on a golfing goodwill visit, raising smiles all round.
If you’d like to know how to help make a difference please call Brian Coleman at Golf Supports Our Troops on 866 441 4100 or 201 672 0600 or email him at golfsupports@aol.com or Jim Estes, PGA Professional and founder of Salute Military Golf Association based at Olney Golf Park, Maryland on 301 570 6600 or email him at estespro@aol.com . Visit www.golfsalute.org
Tony Clark, Explanar Golf USA Inc. Tel: 866 975 2627. Cell: 256 282 9098 E:tony@explanar.com W: www.explanar.com
Contact:
Tony Clark CEO/Managing Director
Explanar Golf USA Inc
13506 Summerport Village Parkway
Suite 397
Windermere
FL 34786
Tel: 407 645 4653
Toll Free: 866 975 2627
Cell: 256 282 9098
www.explanar.com
