Staff from Battle Creek VA’s Recreational Therapy Service held a disc golf event for Veterans at the Lakeview Kiwanis Outdoor Center on Sept. 7 in Lakeview, Michigan. The activity was designed to be another outdoor hobby that Veterans can incorporate as a fun and creative pastime.
The 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 about what makes disc golf enjoyable is the opportunity to be out in nature and the outdoors, the camaraderie and the drive to continue playing and improve,” said Heather Fleming, 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 with the competitive nature of a sport tends to be what draws people to keep playing.”
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.
“I am thankful to have found this event.”
“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,” Fleming shared. “This was my fourth event like this and every time we hold one, I see an increase in Veterans using the course at the Battle Creek VA campus. And they are telling me how much they’re excited to keep playing with their friends or family when they return home.”
“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 Army Veteran and disc golf participant Thomas Walk. “It was more of the instant camaraderie—which was one of the best parts for me.”
“It means so much to see members of the community care about the Veterans just as much as the staff, and show the Veterans that they matter,” Fleming added. “I am also so thankful to see Veterans able to relax, smile and catch a glimpse of who they really are at the core by getting involved together in a fun activity.”
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I found Disc Golf in Charlotte NC almost 10 years ago. As a Veteran with history of competitive racquetball, long distance running and rappelling I feel it was one of those sports that saved my life. After double knee replacements my doctors recommended I stop running and playing racquetball if I wanted the new knees to last the average 15 – 20 years. Disc Golf has led me to get off the sofa, meet new people, get involved in the very big Disc Golf community here in Charlotte and the Charlotte Disc Golf Club. I have played in tournaments and volunteered when we hosted the World Amature Championships a few years ago. Most of all I love getting out early in the morning, smelling the trees, seeing a few rabbits , deer, squirrels, occasional box turtle and even a snake here and there (ok not the snakes so much… lol ). Maybe we can organize Veteran activities or even a league here in Charlotte. I think I will bring it up in the next club meeting. Wish I had known of this event as it was on my birthday weekend. Maybe next time…..