CHIEFLAND — U.S. Army Staff Sergeant (SSG) Michael Montange was severely injured by a roadside IED while serving his third tour in Iraq. He is missing his left leg at the hip and requires the use of a wheelchair. He is also an avid golfer.
In January of 2020, Montange was with his wife, Cami Sue Huston, in a golf store that had a golfing simulator. He tried hitting with a set of kids’ clubs from his wheelchair and found an appreciation of golf. Through some research, they discovered the paramobile, a specially designed wheelchair that allows its user to stand up, and the Stand Up and Play Foundation, which helps people with impaired mobility to engage in recreational activities through adaptive technology and programs.
According to the Stand Up and Play Foundation, the paramobile was originally designed for disabled golfers, but can also be customized for use in other sports. Golfing, specifically, has been found to benefit wheelchair users as it stimulates the metabolism, stretches the muscles and enhances the mobility of their joints.
Use of the paramobile also increases independence and boosts self-esteem. The Stand Up and Play Foundation started by helping veterans in wheelchairs to play golf. But they now assist wheelchair users to participate in all life’s activities, or even just experience the empowerment of looking at one eye to eye.
Through the organization, Montange received a paramobile on Veterans Day 2020. Because of their passion for the foundation, Huston now sits on their board of directors as the Caregiver Liaison.
She is working with the Chiefland Golf and Country Club – where she and her husband are members – to host a fundraiser for the Stand Up and Play Foundation on Saturday at 9 a.m. The cost is $40 per golfer. The event is a four-person scramble. If you do not have four players, you will be placed on a team. The package includes greens fees, cart, lunch, scoring and prizes. For more information, contact the Chiefland Golf and Country Club. It is located at 9650 NW 115th St. in Chiefland.
For more information on the Stand Up and Play Foundation or to make a tax-deductible donation, visit www.standupandplay foundation.org.