The Stand Up and Play Foundation, a nonprofit 501 (c) (3), founded by adaptive golf professional Anthony Netto, is celebrating its 14th anniversary this summer, making active standing therapy a reality for individuals with mobility challenges.
The Stand Up and Play Foundation was founded in 2010. Netto, a S.A. retired military veteran, who was paralyzed from the waist down in 1991 in a service-connected injury, and five years later, was hit by a drunk driver head on which caused further complications, understands that golf, as a therapy, addresses the development necessary for coordination and the repetition of precise sequences of movements.
In addition, the mental challenges posed by the game stimulate one’s ability to focus and concentrate. Playing golf successfully raises a person’s self-esteem and vitality and encourages and motivates.
Netto shares what prompted him to put together the life-changing Foundation: “It’s been my desire and passion to empower individuals with mobility challenges thru paralysis, to experience the joy of Adaptive Golf, standing therapy, and outdoor activities, and to provide the correct necessary equipment for our military veterans and first responders who have served our country and communities.”
Motivated by his own challenges, Netto co-invented the Paragolfer/Paramobile all-terrain standing sports wheelchair in 2000. He achieved another milestone in 2023 by co-founding and developing the VertaCat, a revolutionary adaptive golf cart. The VertaCat features cutting-edge technology and engineering prowess, allowing the rider to sit-to-stand, with zero friction.
“The most rewarding part of our work with the Stand Up and Play Foundation,” adds Netto, “is seeing the smile on someone’s face when they stand up and participate in outdoor sports again and knowing that we’re making a difference in their lives and the lives of their loved ones. That is what drives us forward.”
Events for the Stand Up and Play Foundation include:
Hope Therapy Adaptive Sports Festival
Houston, Texas
Saturday, October 5, 2024
Veterans Day Charity Golf Tournament, supporting the Stand Up and Play Foundation
The Legends Country Club and Golf Course, Fort Myers, Florida
November 11, 2024
Monthly free Adaptive Golf clinics:
Stand Up and Play Foundation Lowcountry Chapter
The Golf Club at Wescott Plantation, North Charleston, S.C.
1st and 2nd Saturday of each month
Contact: Director Rich O’Brien richobriengolf@gmail.com
Stand Up and Play Foundation, Utah Chapter:
Contact Director Ben Hulin benhulingolf@gmail.com for dates, time and location
Stand up and Play Foundation, Long Beach Chapter (open to Veterans and Adaptive Golf community)
Contact Directors: Brett Lang Schmeeebs@aol.com or Bob Schrader rlsss@aol.com
Stand Up and Play Foundation, Eastern Wisconsin Chapter
Contact: Todd Landfried tmlandfried@gmail.com
Stand Up and Play Foundation, San Antonio Chapter
Contact: Jeff Ulrich jauskigolf@yahoo.com
To make donations and for more information, contact:Stand Up and Play Foundation, Angelica Amador-Jaspert at Standupusa1@gmail.com