EVENT PLANNING 101: Volunteers are invaluable.
Being a part of the inaugural ParaLong Drive Worlds was, in a word, inspiring.
The event welcomed the Golf Channel and featured disabled golfers from 10 countries with champions crowned in Overall, leg amputee, multiple amputee, a one-arm, paramobile-paralyzed, wounded soldier, and women’s divisions. The champion was crowned with over a 400 yard drive.
For me the highlight was hosting 3 year old, one-armed golfer, Tommy Morrissey. Tommy was born with a short-arm but picked up the game of golf at 18 months old. Again and again, I watched him hit a golf ball 100 yards! At one point, Andre Carrier, COO of Eureka Casino Resort, asked for a photo op. He laid down and put a tee and golf ball in his mouth. Unprompted, Tommy did what he does best and hit the ball! (I’ll include the photo or video)
Most of the logistics for the ParaLong Drive Worlds were produced by the Mesquite Local Organizing Committee – an all volunteer group. Having volunteers for a large-scale event is necessary and they can elevate but coordination can be tough. The key is communication and an established chain of command.
