It was a quick turn around from Emporia to Des Moines, but it's easy to feel the excitement among the Tour ramping up as we fully enter summertime. Uplay drives the mission onward into Iowa for a special and newly scheduled non profit organization called Can-Play. After connecting with director Dylan DeClerck, we understood Can-Play's mission to provide access to sports and recreation programming for thousands of underserved youth in central Iowa, and we realized we had a great fit.
Pro Coaches, Ella Hansen, Raven Klien, Holyn Handley, Chandler Fry, Missy Gannon, Tom Szevin, Sarah Gilpin, Andrew Gilpin, and Luke Humphries taught a group of 18 teens and adults that are underprivileged physically, mentally and socially in their abilities and developmental level. The group was accompanied by 2 main staff supporters, and their parents or guardians. Everyone involved in Tuesday's event left with major successes and joy from teaching and learning about the basics of disc golf. The testimonials from all of the participants are always remarkable to hear and this event was no different, but what really stands out are two big connections:
*Disc golf continues to prove accessibility for all, with no discrimination
*Disc golf continues to be easy to learn... and comfortable to teach!... to anyone, by anyone.
The interviews with our Pro coaches were very touching and help us all to dig deep and feel the passion and happiness that disc golf brings. From the physical to the mental lessons that we learn about ourselves, disc golf continues to teach us all critical lessons about patience, respect, digging deep and staying positively focused.
Although we were unable to have permission to photo and video capture most of the participants, please take a look at the beautiful photos that Angie Smith was able to collect:
https://flickr.com/photos/193803280@N04/albums/72177720309232395
Uplay is also very excited to announce that we are adding to our media capture team on tour, and ramping up our efforts to show you more about these fantastic events that you are supporting. Thank you for your continued belief and shared love for this mission.
We challenge you to share some of the Uplay success stories with your friends and family members as you enjoy your disc golf and summer activities together!
