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The Northwest Blind Golf Foundation
has three primary functions.
Teach the game of golf to blind and visually impaired students from the
Oregon and Washington Schools for the Blind and to children throughout the
U.S. in association with the United States Blind Golf Association. The
NWBGF meets with students on a weekly basis from April through October
(our golf season) to help students learn the game of golf and how they
might enjoy it for the rest of their life, regardless of the vision loss
they might have. The NWBGF helps with expenses associated with travel to
the schools and for renting space at golf courses for practice sessions.
NWBGF also works with students from local school districts who are
visually impaired and require the inclusion of transition plans beyond
school as part of the their individualized education plan. The goal is to
introduce them to the game of golf and assist them in creating a support
system that will sustain their continued participation. In 2006 the NWBGF
was associated with over forty, two hour golf clinics for blind and
visually impaired juniors in Oregon and Washington.
Provide financial support for the provision of junior clinics and
associated costs of assisting golf organizations and events designed to
raise funds for local vision related organizations. For instance, the
USBGA event in Arizona raises money for the Leader Dog program to
facilitate the availability of guide dogs to individuals in that state. In
Oregon, an annual event helps support the Lions Sight & Hearing
Foundation. In 2006 the USBGA sponsored 19 junior clinics. Although the
Northwest Blind Golfers Foundation (NWBGF) would not necessarily support
all 19 events, our intentions are to participate in as many that time and
financing allow.
Officers and volunteers from the NWBGF will expand the collaborative
relationship with the Oregon and Washington Commissions for the Blind that
was established over the course of the last two years. Through this
relationship, as needed, NWBGF officers, volunteers and members will use
each commission’s resources to connect with adults who have lost or are
losing their vision, to educate them on USBGA activities and how they can
enjoy the game of golf for many years to come.
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