SOUTH FLORIDA WHEELCHAIR-FRIENDLY PLACES TO GO AND THINGS TO DO
Go ‘Canes, stay active and set sail with “Woody picks” for fun things to do in South Florida
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – February 25, 2015 – The Woody Foundation (TWF) is a Miami-based non-profit organization that raises funds and increases awareness for those with paralysis. The Foundation’s namesake, James “Woody” Beckham has stayed active since his spinal cord injury in January 2011 and hopes to inspire others to do the same.
“Of course I wish I hadn’t been injured, but I don’t live in the past or regret playing rugby – I’m focused on moving forward and being as active as possible,” said Woody Beckham. “I’m appreciative to do all these activities and thankful they are available to the disabled community,” Beckham added.
Woody’s injury left him paralyzed from the chest down, he has limited hand functioning, but challenges his limitations on a daily basis. He lives in his own place in Coconut Grove; he drives his own car, goes to class three times a week at FIU and hopes to inspire others that have also suffered paralysis. Here are some Woody recommendations for things to do and places to go in South Florida.
It’s All About The U
A longtime Canes, Heat and Marlins fan, going to sporting events is a chair-friendly thing to do and one of Woody’s favorites. Entrance into Sun Life Stadium, BankUnited Center, American Airlines Arena and Marlins Park venues is smooth. Once inside, Woody takes his original ticket to guest services and they issue him and his guest new tickets for the accessible section in the vicinity of his original ticket. Typically one companion is allowed, but to request more, call guest services in advance to submit a request for additional companion tickets. Visit the respective venue’s website in advance for additional information.
The Groovy Grove
One of Miami’s most beloved neighborhoods, Coconut Grove has a wide-ranging schedule of events. Last September The Woody Foundation hosted its second annual Woodystock, a music and food festival at Peacock Park. This year Woodystock is happening on December 12, not only is the show chair-friendly, it raises funds for those in chairs. Up the street from Peacock Park is Shake-A-Leg Miami; their mission is to use the marine environment to improve the health, education and independence of people with disabilities, disadvantaged youth and their families. Graham Hooper, founder of The Hold Fast Foundation operates out of Shake-A-Leg’s beautiful Biscayne Bay location and helps disabled individuals get out on the water. Aboard The Hold Fast Foundation’s chair-friendly boat, the “Lucky Dog” Hooper helps the disabled get on the water and catch fish. Also, University of Miami’s doctorate of physical therapy program takes disabled individuals sailing every spring. And at a staple in the Grove for good food and cold drinks and trivia are on the menu every Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. at Barracuda Bar & Grill. It’s $5 for teams of one to six players, the winning team receives a $40 ‘Cudas gift certificate – proceeds from Trivia Tuesday benefit The Woody Foundation.
Exercise and Art
Dharma Yoga Studio offers free chair yoga classes every Monday and Thursday from 2:15 – 3:15 p.m. in Coconut Grove at 3170 Commodore Plaza. The classes are accessible to anyone no matter age or physical limitation. At Jackson Memorial Rehabilitation Hospital (JMRH), JetSet Miami Fitness Studio offers an exercise workshop the third Wednesday of every month from 2 – 4:00 p.m. Also at JMH, the Rise Up Gallery offers a free workshop on the first Friday of every month from 2 – 4:00 p.m. Through a partnership with JMRH, Rise Up offers workshops to a various patients living with different ailments such as spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury and multiple sclerosis.
For more information about South Florida wheelchair-friendly places to go and things to do, please visit www.woodyfoundation.org, Like www.facebook.com/woodyfoundation, follow @woodychatter on Twitter and Instagram or email [email protected].
About The Woody Foundation
The Woody Foundation, Inc. is a not for profit organization formed in 2011 to raise funds for the recovery of people with paralysis. The namesake of the foundation, James “Woody” Beckham suffered his spinal cord injury making a rugby tackle in January 2011. His family and friends have bonded together to support Woody by making donations to local charities, which help others with paralysis.
Media Contact Elvis Anderson [email protected] o: 305-280-7606 m: 305-491-4820
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