ABILITY360 hosts successful tournament at Longbow Golf Club

Ability360’s inaugural Charity Golf Tournament was a resounding success, raising more than $45,000 for programs offered by the Ability360 Sports and Fitness Center. Hosted by Longbow Golf Club in Mesa, Arizona., on September 23, the tournament kicked off Ability360 Sports & Fitness Center’s 5th anniversary celebration. 

A Longbow Golf Club tournament-record 1,450 balls were sold as part of a Helicopter Ball Drop. The NHL’s Arizona Coyotes mascot, Howler, poured the balls out of the helicopter. First prize in the ball drop was one 12-person Luxury Suite at a 2016-2017 Arizona Coyotes hockey game, compliments of the Arizona Coyotes. Second prize was a custom ticket package to the 2017 Waste Management Phoenix Open, compliments of The Thunderbirds. And third prize was a pair of 18k white gold and diamond pave small hoop earrings, and a pair of 18k white gold and diamond “Signature Filigree Disc” earring charms, compliments of Oliver Smith Jeweler.

“It was an honor and privilege for Longbow Golf Club to host this outstanding event, filled with inspirational members of our community,” said Developer and General Manager Bob McNichols. “Ability360’s mission is to empower people with all disabilities, and I am delighted to have been able to help accomplish this goal in any way I can.”

Tournament organizers added a twist for the sold out, 144-player event: Each playing foursome included a member of the Ability360 staff or a member with and without disabilities, to talk about the importance and value of inclusion in sports, as well as Ability360’s role in providing resources and expertise to help achieve health and fitness goals. Several members of the Ability360 staff and members are avid and regular golfers who use adaptive equipment.

Longbow Golf Club has long been a leader in the support of access for the disabled to the game of golf. It was the one of the first golf courses in Arizona to purchase two SoloRider golf cars for use by disabled players, and also introduced Stand Up and Play cars for paraplegic golfers. Seats on the SoloRider swivel 350 degrees to allow easy exits, and make full swings from the seated position.

For more information about Ability360, or its Charity Golf Tournament, visit www.360golftournament.org, or contact Meghan Fable at MeghanF@ability360.org.