Golf, like community, thrives when every player feels they belong. For United Ability’s more than a dozen participants at Friday’s fourth annual adaptive golf clinic at the Regions Tradition, the day not only reflected belonging at its best but also honored those onsite as part of a 30-year observance celebrating individuals with disabilities.
“It’s fitting today is also United Ability Day, which is all about visibility and pride,” says Susan Sellers, CEO of United Ability. “We celebrate that our participants are involved in every part of community life, and events like the Regions Tradition amplify that message in such a meaningful way.”
On United Ability Day, individual and corporate supporters are encouraged to “wear, share and celebrate” – recognizing the uniqueness of others and communities’ responsibility to create spaces where those differences are welcomed.
At the Regions Tradition, that philosophy came alive one stroke at a time as clinic participants practiced swinging, chipping and putting alongside instructors and professionals. For many, it was the first time they’ve experienced golf at a championship level.
“Excited to learn and be physically active,” said United Ability Community Service Manager, Sheena Dial, when asked about group sentiment pre-clinic. “The amount of gratitude they have for the pros that instruct them onsite, especially those who have never given golf a try before and have success, is uniquely impactful.”
Four years ago, the idea of creating unique impact within an already meaningful annual event sparked the concept of an adaptive golf clinic at the Regions Tradition. Regions Bank then turned to Chris Biggins – director of player development at The Country Club of Birmingham, a United Ability board member and an adult living with cerebral palsy – to help develop and oversee what is now a tournament staple.
As a former top-five nationally ranked American adaptive golfer, Biggins has been a steadfast advocate for adaptive sports, crediting golf with transforming his own life and championing its ability to do the same for others.
“Chris has always said, a disability shouldn’t hold anyone back from anything, including a sport they love or one they want to know more about,” added Sellers. “After all, integration isn’t just about housing or employment; it’s also about recreation and having a way to participate, learn, grow and thrive.”
That belief is central to Regions Bank’s long‑standing partnership with United Ability, which extends well beyond the golf course.
Throughout the year, Regions supports disability inclusion through:
- Workplace learning opportunities within Regions Bank branches
- Financial wellness education in schools and community programs served by United Ability
- Regions associate volunteerism across Central Alabama
- Support for fundraising and awareness initiatives benefiting individuals with disabilities
“It’s important every day, but especially today, that we continue our longstanding partnership to engage in efforts that celebrate these individuals’ involvement in every part of who we are as a community,” said Sellers. “They belong here; each individual’s unique abilities are welcome, valued, respected and celebrated.”
And at the Regions Tradition – united in collective ability – that truth is written plainly across the fairways: this is a place where everyone belongs.
