Adaptive Sports - WKTV Journal

Xia Dargo participates in the Kentwood Parks and Rec waterskiing clinic this summer at YMCA Camp Manitou-Lin in Middleville. Funds raised at The Vibe will go toward purchasing new equipment for Kentwood’s many adaptive programs, including waterskiing. (WKTV)

By WKTV Staff

Community members are invited to The Vibe, an annual celebration and fundraiser to enhance the City of Kentwood’s adaptive recreation programs, on Thursday, Sept. 8.

This year’s event will be held from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Kent District Library, Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE. It will include food and cocktails, live music by the Moonshot Band, a silent auction, adaptive equipment displays and yard games.

Funds raised at The Vibe will go toward purchasing new equipment for Kentwood’s many adaptive programs, including golf. Troy Almli tees off at the Scott Lake Golf & Practice Center this summer during Kentwood’s Adaptive Golf League. (WKTV)

The evening also will feature guest speaker Lee “Coach” Montgomery, a longtime coach and athlete of wheelchair and adaptive sports, who will share more about his experience in both roles.

Montgomery has medaled in the Paralympics, traveled the world and played a range of different sports, including sitting volleyball, wheelchair basketball and wheelchair tennis. He won a gold medal for wheelchair basketball in 1990 and in 1993 was recognized as one of the top 10 wheelchair tennis players in the U.S.

His coaching career began in 1988 with Kentwood Parks and Recreation, where he led the junior wheelchair basketball team for several years. He was inducted into the Grand Rapids Sports Hall of Fame in 2006 and the National Wheelchair Basketball Association Hall of Fame in 2015.

“Coach Lee has long been a champion for adaptive sports and recreation and athletes of all abilities, and we’re excited for him to join us at this year’s event,” said Val Romeo, Kentwood Parks and Recreation director. “We welcome the community to join us to learn more about his story and the value of inclusive recreational opportunities.”

Tickets for the casual-attire event are $40 per person. They can be purchased online at KentwoodVibe.com or by calling 616-656-5270.

Fundraising for adaptive rec programs

Funds raised at this year’s event will go toward purchasing new equipment for Kentwood’s many adaptive programs. These offerings include archery, cycling club, boccia league, bowling, canoeing, downhill skiing, golf league, leisure club, kayaking, rock climbing, track and field clinics, pickleball, wake boarding and waterskiing, along with dances and other social events.

Mark your calendars for The Vibe on Thursday, Sept. 8 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Kent District Library, Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE. The giving wall, shown here from last year’s event, presents an opportunity for people to donate towards specific adaptive equipment needed or to sponsor a specific adaptive program/event.

“We have a wide variety of adaptive recreation programs that meet the interests of all individuals – from social opportunities like leisure club to sensational activities like waterskiing,” said Ann Przybysz, Kentwood’s recreation program coordinator. “These programs give individuals an opportunity to connect and experience the benefits that come with recreational activities, including a sense of camaraderie, improved confidence and new skills.”

The Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department provides Michigan’s most comprehensive adaptive recreation programming in partnership with community partners, including Down Syndrome Association of West Michigan, Hope Network, Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital and dozens of volunteers.

Programs are open to individuals of all abilities in Kentwood and beyond. To learn about current offerings, visit kentwood.us/adaptive.

Kentwood Adaptive Recreation Program Videos

Adaptive Archery

Adaptive Kayaking

Adaptive Snow Skiing

Adaptive Rock Climbing

Adaptive Water Skiing

By Zach Fanko, WKTV Contributing Writer

For many in West Michigan, a round of golf on a nice summer evening is the perfect recreational activity.

And for those with varying disabilities, taking part in the Kentwood Adaptive Golf League is an opportunity to continue playing the sport they love.

The Kentwood adaptive recreation program gives people with physical and developmental disabilities the chance to participate in a variety of sports and recreational activities including adaptive golf, which Ann Przybysz has been involved with for over six years.

As program coordinator for Kentwood Parks and Recreation, her role has only increased over the years.

“I started about six years ago with the golf program working golf carts, encouraging our participants and running the leagues,” said Przybysz. “It’s awesome to get people out on wonderful evenings like this and try to take advantage of the nice weather.”

SoloRider golf cart a game-changer

Partnering with the Scott Lake Golf & Practice Center in Comstock Park allows the adaptive golf league participants to have access to the SoloRider adaptive golf cart, which allows those with limited or no use of their legs the ability to golf freely with little or no assistance.

The adaptive cart features hand controls and a swivel seat that raises golfers into a standing position. Scott Lake is one of few golf courses in Michigan to have access to the SoloRider carts.

Director of Golf Shane Riley said the cart is a game-changer for those that may have not had the ability to golf before.

“The golf cart itself is used weekly by a handful of participants, (and) without that golf cart (they) would never be able to play golf again,” said Riley, who’s worked at Scott Lake for 11 years. “It gives them full capability on the course and they can take it anywhere with limited exceptions.”

Weekly tradition during the summer

Ryan Luchies looking for a club during a weekly Kentwood Parks and Recreation Adaptive Golf League at the Scott Lake Golf & Practice Center. (WKTV)

For Troy Almli (age 46), Ryan Luchies (38), and Krista Schulze (50), the adaptive golf league is just one of the many activities they take part in through the Kentwood adaptive program. The three of them are all survivors of traumatic brain injuries and make golf night weekly on Tuesdays at Scott Lake.

Almli, who got into a life-altering car accident when he was 10 years old, has been playing golf since he was seven and described why he enjoys the sport immensely.

“Enjoying the fresh air and seeing nice people,” Almli said. “I golf with the best people around.”

Meanwhile, Schulze says the adaptive program has been crucial to helping her enjoy the activities she likes to participate in that she otherwise wouldn’t be able to do. She enjoys bowling and snow skiing in addition to the golf program.

“I find it really helpful for anyone with a handicap out there,” Schulze said. “Helps them get back into doing whatever sport they love to do.”

Troy Almli tees off during Kentwood’s Adaptive Golf League held Tuesday nights at the Scott Lake Golf & Practice Center. (WKTV)

Mary Crestwell, a rehab tech for the Hope Network long term care facility where all three participants live, helps with the transportation to and from the adaptive programs and has been involved for the last five years.

“It is a great way for them to get involved with the community,” Crestwell said. “Lets them stay active and integrates them with others socially.”

Getting involved in Kentwood adaptive programs

Those in the community that want to participate or volunteer in the Kentwood Parks and Rec adaptive programs are urged to visit their website. There you can find all the sports and activities available as well as where to volunteer or donate.

While the current golf league season is underway, registration is open for the next season that runs from Sept. 6-27. No previous golf experience is required, and clubs are provided for participants who do not have their own. Trained staff help guide participants through the game.