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'Paramobile' demonstration held at Candlewood Valley Golf Club

A piece of equipment that's equal parts golf cart, wheel chair and vertical lift is allowing people who had to give up golf because of neurological diseases a second chance.  Candlewood Valley Golf Club in New Milford recently bought a special cart that raises handicapped players to a standing position so they can swing a club. 

 

General Manager Beth Ford said the paramobile was instantly popular.  She says seeing people now able to play who had to give it up has really been an eye opener. 

 

Candlewood Valley Golf Club was able to purchase this and have it available at no charge through the California-based non-profit Stand Up and Play Foundation.  The foundation's founder, and the creator of the para-mobile was on hand for a clinic this morning.  Anthony Netto demonstrated how the equipment works.

 

 

Ford called it a game-changer for many people, including those with ALS, Multiple Sclerosis, Cerebral Palsy, Parkinsons, paraplegics, or quadriplegics.  The player is strapped in, a hydraulic lift stands them up and turns them.  She says people are then able to swing a golf club.  It could also be used for fishing or archery and other similar sportsman activity.

 

 

She says there's adaptive swinging equipment with special grips for people who only have the use of one arm.

 

Ford says there's no charge to use the paramobile at their course.  It's one of only two in Connecticut, the other located in New Britain.

 

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Rich Valdes

Local Headlines