Golf scramble in Marion to benefit children with limb differences

MARION, Ill. (KBSI) — A golf scramble fundraiser this weekend in Marion is looking to make a difference far beyond the tee.

The NubAbility Athletics Foundation is hosting a spring golf scramble Sunday, June 8, at Kokopelli Golf Club, with all proceeds benefiting children with limb differences. The nonprofit offers specialized coaching in 23 mainstream sports to help young athletes build confidence, skills and community.

Founder and coach Sam Kuhnert said the event plays a critical role in funding the organization’s summer programs.

“We have to raise funds in order to cover the cost of these kids, it’s about $500 per child,” Kuhnert said. “We’re trying to raise money so we can continue to provide our 70% scholarship rate to our camp and continue creating new opportunities.”

Unlike organizations that focus on adapting sports to athletes, NubAbility’s model is about helping athletes adapt to the sport itself. That means teaching them how to compete in traditional sports settings,  whether that’s on a basketball court, football field or baseball diamond.

“There’s not another organization like NubAbility,” Kuhnert said. “Adaptive sports are expensive and often not found in small town America. We focus on mainstream sports because they’re accessible and out there for everyone.”

Each camper is paired with a mentor, who are former college or professional athletes. These mentors share not just the same challenges, but also a example of how to overcoming them.

“You’re giving those kids that advantage to level the playing field,” Kuhnert said. “We’re giving them all this knowledge and experience that can truly let them set their own limits.”

Registration for Sunday’s golf scramble runs from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m., with a start at 1:30 p.m. The cost is $125 per person or $500 for a group, which includes green fees, a golf cart, a mulligan package, dinner and more.

Sponsorships and dinner only tickets are also available. Hole sponsorships start at $100, and donations are welcome through the organization’s website.

Kuhnert said the fundraiser is open to anyone who wants to participate, or simply support the cause.

“Show up and support the kids,” he said. “We’ll never turn away support for these kids.”

NubAbility expects to serve more than 150 athletes at this year’s camp, which continues to grow each year.

Kuhnert said he was inspired to launch the foundation after meeting a man with no hands or feet who could throw a football spiral. That moment, and the young athletes he’s met since, continue to fuel his mission.

“Everybody is capable of whatever they want,” Kuhnert said. “The only person who can limit you in life is you.  Your obstacles in life are not meant to be walls that stop you, but the steps that build you.”

For more information or to register, visit nubability.org/tee-off-fore-nub-kids.