A major perk of living in the beautiful Olney area is the great outdoor recreation opportunities that are represented here, including numerous amazing golf courses. This makes for a great way for kids to stay active, which could be why golf culture is so big among area youngsters. But kids from Olney to Rockville are doing more than just going out on the links and having fun. This is a community-conscious place, and the respect that area youth have for their neighbors and elders has been heartily exemplified recently in the way that a group of area boys have banded together. Their goal is to help disabled war veterans find some solace and enjoyment by partaking in the game of golf.
It started when St. Elizabeth Catholic School eighth-graders Tyler Goehrung and Connor Starkey heard about pro golfer Jim Estes hosting eight-week sessions for “Wounded Warriors” through the Salute Military Golf Association at Olney Golf Park. The boys quickly got involved after speaking with Estes and reached out to their network of golfing friends who also jumped on board to volunteer.
Ever since, the boys have helped with both organization of the weekly events at Olney Golf Park on Saturday mornings and teaching and visualization sessions with Wounded Warriors who may have special needs based on injuries sustained while protecting our country. Estes says that the impact the boys have on the veterans goes beyond golf and has to do with the sheer ability of letting these vets enjoy recreational activity in a setting that is familiar, comfortable and instructional. “You know many of them have children,” said Estes of the Wounded Warriors. “When they see kids out there it puts them at ease.”
It’s also been a great life lesson for the boys, who are learning the true meaning of service and how their passions can be used to inspire others. “I like golf, and I like helping people, so I thought this was a good mix,” said Goehrung.
For more on why Olney home owners love this community-oriented Maryland enclave, please contact our team of Olney real estate professionals. It would be our pleasure to assist you in all your Olney home buying needs.
