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Library Categories > Camps > Students with autism learn game, skills

 
Library Item Name:

Students with autism learn game, skills 		   
Summary Statement:

Students with autism learn game, skills


Saturday, August 4, 2007

By MARK J. CZERWINSKI
STAFF WRITER


The red tennis ball skittered across the practice green at River Vale's Valley Brook Golf Club, smacking hard and sticking to the Velcro-covered plastic target.

The instructors cheered as Tommy Martin, the boy who putted the ball, turned his head quickly, searching the small group gathered behind the green for his parents. And Martin smiled.

A shy smile. A proud smile. A smile that speaks volumes about what the "Far from Par" summer golf pilot program hopes to accomplish for Bergen County children with autism.

"The golf course represents a safe learning environment for children trapped inside a variety of walls for too long," said Michael Kuchar, superintendent of the Bergenfield Public Schools and the driving force behind this program. "These kids lack social skills as part of their disability, and the etiquette and social skills of golf are perfect for them.

SIGHTS & SOUNDS

Golf program for autistic children
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"It's almost impossible for these kids to play a sport like football or baseball. But in golf, they'll have a lifelong athletic activity and learn the skills needed for a productive life."

The four-week program, the first of its kind in the nation, was developed by the Bergenfield school system and is run in partnership with the Bergen County Parks Department and Knickerbocker Country Club in Tenafly. It's all underwritten by a grant by the United States Golf Association as part of its "For the Good of the Game" program.

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Submission Date:

08/09/2007by: shannonj
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