A big thank you to Mercy Hospital, the Presmier Sponosr of the 2009 Sacramento Saving Strokes event and Continuation Program!

The inaugural event was held in Sacramento in September of 2000 and attracted some 40 stroke victors in various stages of recovery.

The participants were instructed by ten PGA golf pros, that had earlier been instructed on the medical and physical therapy aspects of stroke recovery by Operation Stroke volunteers.

The success of this program doubled the number of participants and golf pros at the second event in May 2001. As a result of the coverage that the April 2002 event received via CNN, the Sacramento office has responded to requests for implementation strategies nationwide.

Since then, Saving Strokes has expanded to San Francisco, North Bay, East Bay, Redding, Chico, , Napa, San Jose, Reno, NV and Salt Lake City, UT. 

Sacramento's 2006 event hosted 121 Survivors, and Sacramento's 2007 event hosted 150 survivors and caregivers. Last year's event grew again to 171 participants and over 75 volunteers. We are excited to see what 2009 brings!

Saving Strokes empowers stroke victors by illustrating that disabilities need not stop them from playing – or learning – golf.

Indeed golf can improve their strength and flexibility and provide a valuable social outlet for them and their caregiver.

Working in conjunction with the local PGA and holding these events on community golf courses has created new venues for stroke awareness.

As a result, local government entities have embraced the concept as part of their disabled sports strategy and widespread media attention has been created.

We have also added a Saving Strokes Continuation Program. This program is a 6 week session that meets once a week at Haggin Oaks Golf Complex. It provides one on one time with a pro, practice time on the range, instruction in driving, chipping, putting and 9 holes of golf at the end of the program. For more information including dates, times and fees, please contact Jennifer Halldorson at 916-446-6505!