Standing Tall Again: The Story of the Stand Up and Play Foundation
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Paragolfer
When Anthony Netto, a South African golf professional and U.S. veteran, found himself confined to a wheelchair after a car accident and combat injuries, he refused to let that be the end of his game. Instead, he turned his personal challenge into a global movement. His determination led to the creation of the Stand Up and Play Foundation. It is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping people with mobility impairments rise and stand. They can enjoy life’s most social and therapeutic activities, especially golf.
A Mission Beyond the Fairway
The foundation’s mission is simple yet profound: to give individuals with mobility challenges the chance to stand up and play. The organization believes that activities like golf, tennis, and fishing are vital. Simply standing eye‑to‑eye with friends matters too. Dignity, independence, and joy are as important as physical therapy.
Local chapters across the U.S. and abroad partner with golf courses, rehabilitation centers, and veterans’ groups to provide access to adaptive equipment. Volunteers, donors, and sponsors fuel the mission, ensuring that the technology is available to those who need it most.
The Technology That Makes It Possible
At the heart of the foundation’s work is a remarkable piece of engineering: the ParaGolfer.
• All‑terrain mobility: Built like a rugged golf cart, the ParaGolfer can handle fairways, rough, and even sand traps.
• Standing frame: With the push of a button, the device lifts the user from a seated to a standing position. Belts and supports secure the user safely.
• Natural swing: Once upright, players can swing a club from a true stance, restoring the authentic feel of the game.
Newer models, like the VertaCat, expand on this concept with smoother elevation, enhanced stability, and versatility for multiple sports. Beyond recreation, these devices provide therapeutic benefits: improved circulation, muscle engagement, bone density, and the psychological lift of standing tall again.
Changing Lives, One Round at a Time
For veterans returning from service, the chance to stand and play is life-changing. Seniors recovering from surgery feel this impact too. For children born with mobility challenges, this opportunity is truly transformative. It’s not just about golf — it’s about inclusion, confidence, and community.
As Netto often says, “When you stand up, you stand out.” That motto captures the essence of the foundation: restoring not only physical ability but also the joy of being fully present in life’s moments.
Why It Matters
The Stand Up and Play Foundation bridges the gap between accessibility and true participation. While many facilities meet ADA requirements, few offer the chance to play sports in a natural, upright way. By providing ParaGolfers and VertaCats, the foundation ensures that people with disabilities don’t just watch from the sidelines. They’re part of the game.
Closing Thought
The Stand Up and Play Foundation is proof that technology, when paired with vision and compassion, can transform lives. It’s not just about adaptive equipment; it’s about restoring independence, dignity, and joy. On the fairway or beyond, the foundation reminds us that everyone deserves the chance to stand tall and play. Visit LBgolfnews.com to learn more about resources for adaptive golfers, clinics, and tournaments.
