The upcoming 2nd Adaptive Sport and Golf Panel at this year’s fifth annual African American Golf EXPO and Forum, will be chaired by Charlene Williams, a decorated 26-year military veteran whose personal journey with golf exemplifies the transformative power of adaptive sports. As Chief of Staff for Jim Beatty Golf Ventures LLC and President of CTWilliams VETS Golf & Beyond LLC. Charlene brings both extensive military experience and a deep passion for golf’s healing potential to this crucial discussion.
Charlene, made history as the first female Sailor of the Year on the USS Nassau, served in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Her distinguished military career included assignments across the globe, from Japan to Spain, and service aboard various nuclear aircraft carriers. “I honestly believe that the game of golf saves lives. Speaking from personal experience, playing golf has saved my life. In fact, golf has been my lifeline,” says Williams, whose post-military career has dedicated to expanding golf’s impact and reach.
The EXPO brings together six remarkable individuals whose journeys embody resilience, dedication, and the transformative power of adaptive sports. This distinguished panel showcases veterans and adaptive sports advocates who have turned personal challenges into platforms for community support and inspiration.
# Breaking Barriers in Adaptive Sports
The panel features an impressive lineup of speakers who represent diverse aspects of adaptive sports and veteran support.
James Bond, a U.S. Army veteran and certified Adaptive Golf Instructor, brings his expertise in helping amputees rediscover their potential through golf. His work with legally blind golfer Danny Proffitt demonstrates the profound impact of adaptive sports in creating opportunities for all athletes.
Kim J. Clark, Executive Director and Founder of The DeMarco Project, contributes her extensive experience in veteran support and community outreach. Her organization’s success in reaching thousands of homeless veterans and building bridges between military and civilian communities adds a crucial perspective on comprehensive veteran care. The DeMarco Project, also focuses on veteran suicide prevention.
# Military Service and Athletic Achievement
- Jason Ellis, an Iraq War veteran and retired USAF service member, exemplifies the healing power of adaptive sports. His journey from surviving an IED blast to winning Gold at the 2016 Invictus Games and the 2023 National Wheelchair Basketball Championship inspires others to pursue athletic excellence regardless of physical challenges.
- John Edward Heath, founder of the Adaptive Athletics Foundation of Maryland, brings his experience as a Marine Corps veteran and accomplished adaptive athlete. His achievements in CrossFit, track and field, and Paralympic snowboarding, along with his advocacy work changing legislation for prosthetics coverage, showcase the broader impact of adaptive sports advocacy.
# Innovation in Adaptive Golf
- Danny Proffitt’s story as a legally blind golfer and Desert Storm veteran highlights the innovative approaches being developed in adaptive golf. His partnership with James Bond demonstrates how coaching and dedication can open new possibilities in sports for individuals with visual impairments.
- LaHarold Woodhouse, founder of iGolf4VETS, Inc., rounds out the panel with his commitment to promoting diversity, equality, and inclusion through golf. His organization’s focus on using golf as a therapeutic outlet for veterans addresses crucial issues of mental health and suicide prevention in the veteran community.
## Impact and Future Directions
The panel will explore how adaptive sports, particularly golf, can serve as a powerful tool for rehabilitation, community building, and personal growth. Topics will include:
– Innovations in adaptive sports technology and coaching
– Building inclusive sports communities
– Supporting veterans through athletic programs
– Breaking down barriers to participation
– Future developments in adaptive golf
This gathering of experts represents a significant step forward in promoting diversity and inclusion within adaptive sports and golf. Their combined experience and insights promise to provide valuable perspectives for athletes, coaches, and program developers in the adaptive sports community.
The African American Golf EXPO continues to lead in creating platforms for important discussions about accessibility, inclusion, and the future of adaptive sports. This panel demonstrates the EXPO’s commitment to addressing the needs of all athletes and veterans while celebrating their achievements and potential.
For more information about the panel and the African American Golf EXPO, please contact @Charlene Williams or email Charlene.t.williams94@gmail.com.
