Swing a Club to Make a Difference

By LAWRENCE MACHADO

The Riding for the Disabled Association Tall Timbers Centre at the Gables is holding its first Charity Golf Day at Lynwood Country and Golf Club on Friday, December 3, to raise funds to continue and improve its services.

Over the years, this not-for-profit organisation has benefited hundreds of people using gentle and proven methods to improve the lives of those with disabilities. RDA’s staff coach Nicole King said they are looking for 25 teams of four to compete in the event in their first major fundraiser since the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown all their usual events.

“We have been forced to cancel our usual fundraisers like barbecues, horses’ birthday lunches, chocolate sales and the Bunnings sausage sizzles for more than a year,” Ms King said. “So, we thought we will try something different outdoors as this will have a greater chance of going ahead.

“We are counting on the success of this Charity Golf Day to provide the necessary funds to retain our specialist staff and get more horses as we had to put on hold our plans to acquire more due to the uncertainty faced during the lockdown.

“However, we were absolutely delighted when we reopened in the second week of October. RDA plays an important part in our community

“The lockdowns, however, have impacted on the level of our services because the number of volunteers has reduced due to various reasons.

“There are also mandatory vaccination rules which have delayed the start of some programs.”

Ms King has been with the organisation since 2005, having previously served as a volunteer for 16 years. She was a groom for then equestrian star and now wheelchair basketballer Hannah Dodd, at the 2012 London Paralympics.

The RDA runs individual programs while classes are varied and can include the use of games, music, co-ordination exercises and trail rides. All the RDA (NSW) coaches are qualified and have skills in horsemastership, safety, medical knowledge, first aid, teaching and the selection and training of horses.

To register for the golf day event, contact: [email protected] or 96791246.

* Turn to page 40 to read about how Lynwood Country Club’s last amazing charity golf day