It was on the occasion of the “Marche qui Roule” (tr. “Wheeling walk”) organized on May 25th in Trois-Rivières, that Marie-Sol had the opportunity to try Handicaps Soleil‘s VertaCat.She chose Father’s Day to talk, in an article published in Le Nouvelliste , about this wonderful equipment and the golf tournament organized by Handicap Soleil, as always in a beautiful and humorous way!
Here is a translated transcription of this article:
On your feet for a game of golfBy Marie-Sol St-Onge
The VertaCat enables its user to go from a sitting to a standing position, thanks to a verticalizing system. (VertaCat)
CHRONICLE /
Today, many golf enthusiasts of varying levels of experience will be treading the fields to celebrate Father’s Day. Some will be walking the distances between holes, while others will be on board a golf cart.
For those with physical disabilities, they can now join in the fun by standing up and driving a curious golf cart.
As we all know, golf is a great way to spend time with family and friends, and enjoy the great outdoors.
There’s no age limit, whether you’re just starting out or keeping playing. In fact, whatever your level of skill and fitness, there’s fun to be had. In recent years, one passenger all-terrain electric vehicles have even been seen on golf courses.
Designed for those who use wheelchairs, particularly paraplegics, the adaptive equipment enables its user to move from a sitting to a standing position thanks to a verticalization system.
The VertaCat, previously known by its “ late ” predecessor, the Paragolfer, has just arrived in our region.
I had the chance to try it out at the 3rd edition of La marche qui roule, held on May 25 on the Trois-Rivières Grand-Prix circuit.
For the occasion, Handicap Soleil from Shawinigan, had brought along some adaptive equipment, including their latest acquisition, which is already delighting the organization’s golfing members.
The seat is comfortable and it’s easy to drive. Adjustable to any size, even a child can use it.
The VertaCat has three wheels, and won’t damage golf course turf in the slightest.
In fact, everything has been designed to give it enough traction and power to run up hills, but also to putt on greens without leaving any marks under its path.
The VertaCat offers a new dimension of autonomy and social participation, since it can also be used for archery, rifle shooting, fishing and many other activities not previously accessible to people with reduced mobility.
Handicaps Soleil is already looking to purchase a second vehicle and, to achieve this goal, the NPO is organizing a tournament at the Grand-Mère Golf Club on June 20.
I grew up next to a golf club. In fact, a large field of corn was grown between my house and the well-maintained “par 3”.
In summer, one of my hobbies was to find lost balls at the foot of the corn plants.
At the time, I think I had more fun discovering a fluorescent-pink ball stuck in the mud than I did golfing with the balls I found.
So I’ve never been much of a golf fan. But now that our eldest has taken up the game, I have to admit that the idea of accompanying my little family on an outing in the great outdoors delights me!
Despite both my legs being amputated above the knees, I could borrow the VertaCat and stand on my prosthesics, effortlessly and safely hitting the ball along an 18-hole course.
Except. With my two other arm amputations, if you see me on a golf course this summer, stay alert… because there’s a better chance that if you hear “Fore!”, it’s not a ball or a club that’s likely to fly in your direction, but rather my prosthetic arm!!!!
If you need more information about the VertaCat, coNtact us rieght HERE
