FORE! Battle Creek area Veterans go disc golfing
Staff from Battle Creek’s VA Recreational Therapy Service facilitated a disc golf event for Veterans at the Lakeview Kiwanis Outdoor Center on Saturday, September 7, in Lakeview, Michigan. The activity was designed to be an outdoor hobby that Veterans can incorporate as a fun and creative pastime.
Altogether, 26 Veterans, staff and volunteers competed throughout the afternoon with a variable mix of experienced players along with those who were playing for the first time.
“What I hear most noted about what makes disc golf enjoyable are the opportunity to be out in nature and the outdoors, the camaraderie, and the drive to continue playing and improve,” said Heather Fleming, Battle Creek VA Recreation Therapist. “Being in nature can be very relaxing and take your mind off whatever may be pressing at the moment. Adding in a supportive group cheering one another on, while combining the competitive nature of a sport, tends to be what draws people to keep playing.”
While no specific date has been tied to its inception, disc golf has roots going back to the early 1960’s and continues to grow in popularity even to today. A couple of reasons for this is that it’s more easily accessible than traditional golf, in regard to both physical and financial means.
The course was free for the Recreation Service and Veterans to use, offering a new location and scenery for players. Veterans also received some guidance with tips and tricks from local volunteers that Fleming has in her network.
“I have a lot of friends in the community who are great players and who care about giving back and supporting new players, so I thought by creating an enjoyable event where the Veterans could get individualized instruction would help to make for an exciting and fun day,” said Fleming. “This was my 4th event like this, and it seems that every time after we hold one, I see an increase in Veterans using the course at the Battle Creek VA campus playing the sport more, as well as telling me how much they’re excited to keep playing with their friends or family when they return home.”
The day also provided many Veterans to bond and share some laughs while trying to compete throughout the afternoon.
“Veteran events are not always easy to find, but I am thankful to have found this one because I had an amazing time today,” said U.S. Army Veteran and disc golf participant Thomas Walk. “Truthfully it was more of the instant camaraderie that I and others in the group felt, which was one of the best parts for me.”
At the end of the event U.S. Army Sean Krontz earned first place, U.S. Army Veteran Gary Fordcye took second, and U.S. Marine Corps Veteran JP Barna received third place. Each received prizes that were donated from: MVP Disc Sports, Hazy Chains Disc Golf, and K’Aces Disc Golf.
“It means so much to see members of the community care about the Veterans just as much as the staff here and show the Veterans that they matter,” said Fleming. “I am also so thankful to see Veterans able to relax, smile, and enjoy a break from whatever may be at hand- whether it be everyday stressors or more- and catch a glimpse of who they really are at the core by getting involved together in a fun activity.”
If you would like to learn more about what Battle Creek VA Medical Center can offer through Recreational Therapy, including events, services offered and eligibility, follow this link to learn more.