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Formally known as the European Disabled Golf Association, the EDGA has launched a new international campaign to inspire people with a disability to try golf and enjoy the multiple benefits of the game.
The new PLAY GOLF campaign showcases eight EDGA players from three continents with a range of disabilities who live life to the fullest through playing golf.
Posters and graphics illustrate the eight players enjoying competitive golf along with a brief description of their disability, including players with amputation, a golfer who plays from a wheelchair, and others who are winning on the fairways and greens despite significant health conditions or challenges.
EDGA is the international body that helps people with disability to thrive through the power of golf and together with its membership of 29 national golf federations wants to encourage 500,000 new players to try the game.
The EDGA became an official affiliate of The R&A in June 2018 and is the only disabled golf association affiliated to The R&A.
It is expected that PLAY GOLF can raise awareness that golf can be a highly inclusive game ideal for those with a disability, offering physical and mental health benefits, as well as social benefits, for all those taking part.
EDGA president Tony Bennett said, “The PLAY GOLF campaign is focused on creating interest, excitement and action so that people with disability are aware that almost everyone can play the truly inclusive game of golf.
“We are very grateful that eight of our established EDGA players have helped us with the campaign, each one of whom has overcome a huge challenge to play the game with a smile and enjoy life with fellow golfers; they are wonderful ambassadors for the game.”
Developed in partnership with Portuguese creative agency LUV, the campaign is supported by a dedicated training programme which will engage with hospitals, rehabilitation centres, golf clubs and other sporting venues throughout 2020.
EDGA players have been acting as role models and by showcasing their abilities through PLAY GOLF, the association intends to inspire new players to pick up a golf club while creating more opportunities to get started in the game.
Bennett added, “PLAY GOLF will gain momentum throughout 2020 and we will work together with hospitals, rehab centres, federations and PGAs to ensure that the appropriate training is given to therapists, doctors, carers, coaches and professionals in a growing number of our member federations.”
Parts of the PLAY GOLF campaign were first revealed at the Portugal Masters in October, ahead of the full launch at the EDGA Workshops and AGM, which took place last week in Portugal. PLAY GOLF will be translated and fully implemented during 2020.
The R&A also provides investment to other organisations supporting disabled golf, including the Henrik Stenson Foundation, Handigolf Foundation and the South African Disabled Golf Association.
The R&A and the USGA now administer a global ranking for golfers with disabilities, designed to help grow participation and competition around the world and to promote inclusivity within the sport.
Launched on 1 January 2019, the World Ranking for Golfers with Disability is administered in tandem with the World Amateur Golf Ranking for both men and women on www.WAGR.com.
The R&A, together with the USGA, has since the early 2000s also maintained the Modified Rules of Golf for Players with Disabilities.
For more information on EDGA, visit www.edgagolf.com.
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