2023-10-13 15:45:51
Craig encourages other learning disabled adults to give golf a go
With 20 years of experience and a stint of volunteering at The Open earlier this year, veteran golfer Craig is encouraging other learning disabled adults to follow in his footsteps and take up the sport to reap both its physical and social benefits.
The 41-year-old has been a keen golfer for 20 years, playing every Sunday at his local club, Ellesmere Port in Cheshire. Craig says he loves the camaraderie that comes with playing golf, and particularly enjoys the competitions and formal social events held at his clubhouse.
It was his club that put him forward to volunteer at The Open Championship held in Liverpool in July. Craig volunteered as a marshal for the duration of the competition and was responsible for monitoring the crowd in the practice area, ensuring they were quiet at crucial moments.
He was lucky enough to meet some of the big names that he has been following for many years, including Rory McIlroy, Jordan Spieth and Pádraig Harrington.
Craig says, “It was a tiring 10 days of work but was a fabulous opportunity!”
Research suggests that learning disabled people do less exercise than non-disabled people due to barriers such as inaccessible locations and a lack of adapted or inclusive programmes that make it harder to exercise.
Craig, however, would like to encourage other learning disabled adults to try out golf as “it is great exercise” and enables you to make lots of friends, as Craig has done. Offering an alternative for those who are unable to walk long distances, Craig says “an alternative would be to go to the driving range or try crazy golf”.
Notes to editors
For further information please email media.enquiries@hft.org.uk
About Hft
Proudly established in 1962 by a group of visionary parents, Hft is a charity supporting more than 2,500 learning disabled adults in England and Wales. Together, we are creating a future where learning disabled people and their families can live the best life possible.
Providing personalised support. Creating solutions for living independently. Coming together to campaign for positive change. Fundraising for new opportunities and a bigger impact.
In 2033, we’ll live in a world where learning disabled people have greater choice. About where they live. The support they need and want. And how to spend their time and money.
Learning disability versus difficulty
A learning disability is different from a learning difficulty but the terms are often confused and used inter-changeably. A learning difficulty does not affect general intellect, whereas a learning disability is a life-long condition characterised by a reduced intellectual ability and struggle with everyday activities.
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For more information about Hft please visit www.hft.org.uk
