CHICAGO, IL. (February 23, 2015) – Freedom Golf Association (FGA), an organization founded in 2012 with a primary goal of advancing the delivery of grass roots golf instruction to those with special needs, announces its 3rd Annual FGA Invitational at Maryville Academy on Saturday, March 7 from Noon – 4:30PM.
The invitational is a celebration of the “magic” of golf with focus on the special needs community for children and young adults. The event is held at the Maryville Academy John Gleason Center in Des Plaines, Illinois. Maryville Academy is a child care organization rooted in Catholic social teaching and dedicated to the preservation of the dignity of children at every age. The event brings together special needs children and young adults, Illinois Junior Golfers, PGA Professionals, Caregivers and many other volunteers to encourage social interaction, health and wellness, and lots of fun through specially designed golf games.
“The FGA Invitational at Maryville Academy is a cornerstone event on our calendar and hallmarks FGA’s effort to make golf an inclusive sport,” stated EQ Sylvester, Founder and Chairman of Freedom Golf Association. He added, “The event brings together several platforms and creates a memorable experience for all those that participate.”
Juan Espejo, Director of Golf at Maryville Academy is host of the event. Carrie Williams, Executive Director of the Illinois Junior Golf Association, along with Andy Mears, Director of Golf Operation for Freedom Golf Association, assist with the event planning and execution, along with staff personnel from all organizations. Mears states, “It’s very much a team effort as we’re bringing together 100 participants and volunteers for a great day.” “It’s heart-warming to see communities come together,” Mears added.
According to the National Alliance for Accessible Golf, there are 5.7 million people with special needs currently playing golf and 18 million disabled individuals who would like to play golf, but for various reasons either have quit trying or don’t know where to get started. Freedom Golf Association vision is to make golf more inclusive to the special needs community by collaborating and coordinating with qualified golf professionals, skilled amateurs, health care professionals and local organizations.
Freedom Golf Association was founded in July 2012 by Edmund Q. Sylvester. He is a Director of the Western Golf Association and a golf enthusiast. Sylvester became a triple amputee in 2011. Soon after leaving the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, he attempted to hit golf balls at a local range. Without assistance, his attempt was not successful and it became the first step towards forming FGA.
For more information about Freedom Golf Association, go to www.fgagolf.org.
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