Reading Hospital Rehabilitation at Wyomissing and the Eastern Amputee Golf Association recently held the 11th Annual First Swing & Learn to Golf Clinic at Sittler Golf in Sinking Spring for patients with disabilities and their families.
More than 40 participants from Berks County and beyond attended the free event where Adam Benza from the Eastern Amputee Golf Association, and Rick Kline, Professional Golfers Association (PGA) and owner of Sittler Golf, demonstrated adaptive golf equipment.
“We’re so grateful to all the doctors, residents, community, and team at Sittler Golf who make it possible every year,” Jennifer Best, Occupational Therapist IV at Reading Hospital Rehabilitation at Wyomissing, said. “It’s an important event for everyone involved, and we’re happy this year was such a success. We’re already excited about next year.”
The group received event T-shirts donated by local company M.J. Reider Associates and practiced hitting golf balls on the course. They learned how to swing a golf club and adjust their bodies.
“The golf clinic gives amputees an opportunity to get active in a low-impact sport and develop a support system with other amputees," Kelley Crozier, MD, Chair, Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, explained. “This is the favorite support group event of the year and has even inspired some to become regular golfers.”
“This event is significant to our team at Reading Hospital Rehabilitation, and their enthusiasm shows when it comes time to organize it every year,” said Charles F. Barbera, MD, President and CEO of Reading Hospital. “We love seeing people come out and learn something while engaging in a new sport. If they make friends or find support while here, it’s a wonderful thing.”
About Reading Hospital
Reading Hospital is the flagship, Magnet Recognized, acute care hospital of Tower Health. Located in West Reading, Pa., Reading Hospital is a 697-bed hospital that is home to many top-tier specialty care centers, including Reading HealthPlex, McGlinn Cancer Institute, Miller Regional Heart Center, Emergency Department, Level I Trauma Center and Beginnings Maternity Center, which houses the region's only Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). With more than 1,000 physicians, specialists, and advanced practice providers across 49 locations, Reading Hospital has been recognized for its quality outcomes and clinical expertise across services lines. It is listed as one of America's 50 Best Hospitals for three consecutive years. For more information, visit towerhealth.org.