As most of you know, this column is about sports, my favorite topic. I try to write about all sports, and golf may not be to everyone’s liking, but this time, I feel it is a must to talk about. No, it is not about pro golf, college,or high school. It is about a local event here that changed people’s lives for the better, and we all should be proud of it!
Several weeks ago, Turtle Creek golf course here on Route 36 east of Greenville held a golf tournament to benefit AIM for the Handicapped. Dr. Joe Geiger, the founder and National Executive Director, and Bill Slade and Ron Sprinkel, the owners of Turtle Creek, combined to raise money for this very worthwhile cause.
AIM (Adventures In Movement) for the Handicapped is a national non-profit organization founded in Dayton, Ohio, in 1958. AIM’s purpose is to help individuals with special needs achieve their highest potential through movement, the AIM method. Aim serves individuals with sensory impairment in general, communicative impairments in general, musculoskeletal/orthopedic conditions in general and neurological disorders in general, autism, learning/mental disabilities, psychoneuroses, psychoses, and Alzheimers.
The AIM method is adaptable to any disability at any age. It is mandatory that anyone teaching the AIM method be trained and certified by the national office of AIM.
My County Link, Darke County’s online news paper, did a video with Dr. Geiger and Bill Slade on Tuesday the 13th in our offices, and I can tell you that Dr. Geiger has one thing in her life she is passionate about, and that is the Handicapped. She loves each and every one she has met or meets, and at 88 years old has more energy than most people at 25!
Dr. Geiger said she is going to talk to all the principals, teachers, superintendents, or whoever in the county to bring the AIM method here. I urge everyone to watch the video and learn about this wonderful program and the heart that Dr. Geiger has, and with the help of people like Bill Slade, the program will continue to help those in need.
Bill Slade knew about the program through his business, MIDEAST MACHINERY MOVERS, as one of his employees was in charge of looking for non-profits to help. Bill met Dr. Geiger, and now the rest is history! There is a definite bond between the two, and it is a true mutual admiration for the work they both do.
Bill, who had the tournament fundraiser, had 17 teams compete and raised around $30,000 to help start this program in Darke County. That is the most that the program has raised in Darke County by almost 3 times! Through his own goodness, Bill donated all the greens fees and tournament set up to Dr. Geiger and AIM. Needless to say, she was quite happy, and that was the first time anyone had done that, according to Bill.
Golf is not the sport for everyone, but a lot of tournaments benefit charities. The PGA tour is designed for that purpose. It and the LPGA tour contribute around $200 million dollars a year to charities, by far the largest amount from any sport. Local events like the AIM for the Handicapped one held here, raise lots of money for hometown charities and events.
The people who play in these events may not realize the good work they are doing by getting a team and playing in these events. They are all a lot of fun, and of course, raise money and awareness for good causes.
People like Bill Slade and Dr. Geiger are good people. Good people helping others to achieve their best, no matter the difficulties they face. As long as there are people like them, we should all know that things will be ok, and we should all help as much as we can…..that is why I play in tournaments like this….they are fun, and worthwhile and nobody really cares how bad you are!…….I like that!
That’s the way I see it……from the sidelines!
