Standing Tall Again: The Story of the Stand Up and Play Foundation

Anthony Netto, a South African golf pro and U.S. veteran, established the Stand Up and Play Foundation after facing mobility challenges himself. This nonprofit empowers individuals with disabilities to enjoy activities like golf through innovative devices like the ParaGolfer. The foundation promotes dignity, independence, and community, transforming lives by allowing people to stand and participate actively.

From Personal Challenge to Global Movement

When Anthony Netto found himself confined to a wheelchair after a car accident and combat injuries, he refused to let that be the end of his game. Instead, he turned his personal challenge into a global movement. His determination led to the creation of the Stand Up and Play Foundation.

The organization's mission is simple yet profound: to help people with mobility impairments rise and stand, enabling them to enjoy life’s most social and therapeutic activities, especially golf.

A Mission Beyond the Fairway

The foundation believes that activities like golf, tennis, and fishing are vital. More importantly, simply standing eye-to-eye with friends restores dignity, independence, and joy—qualities as crucial as physical therapy.

Local chapters across the U.S. and abroad partner with golf courses, rehabilitation centers, and veterans' groups to provide access to adaptive equipment. The mission is fueled by volunteers, donors, and sponsors, ensuring the technology is available to those who need it most. 

The Technology That Restores the Swing

At the heart of the foundation’s work is a remarkable piece of engineering: the ParaGolfer.

This device is not just a modified cart; it’s a tool for full participation:

• All-Terrain Mobility: Built like a rugged golf cart, the ParaGolfer can handle fairways, rough, and even sand traps.

• Standing Frame: With the push of a button, the device safely lifts the user from a seated to a standing position, secured by belts and supports.

• Natural Swing: Once upright, players can swing a club from a true stance, restoring the authentic feel of the game.

Newer models, like the VertaCat, expand on this concept with smoother elevation, enhanced stability, and versatility for multiple sports. Beyond recreation, these devices provide therapeutic benefits, including improved circulation, muscle engagement, bone density, and the crucial psychological lift of standing tall again.

Changing Lives, One Round at a Time

The impact of standing and playing is life-changing. This technology is vital for veterans returning from service, seniors recovering from surgery, and children born with mobility challenges. It’s not just about golf—it’s about inclusion, confidence, and community.

As Netto often says, “When you stand up, you stand out.” That motto captures the essence of the foundation: restoring not only physical ability but also the joy of being fully present in life’s moments.

Why True Participation Matters

The Stand Up and Play Foundation bridges the gap between basic accessibility (meeting ADA requirements) and true, natural participation. Many facilities allow wheelchair access, but few offer the chance to play sports in a natural, upright way.

By providing ParaGolfers and VertaCats, the foundation ensures that people with disabilities don’t just watch from the sidelines; they are part of the game.

Join the Movement

The Stand Up and Play Foundation is proof that technology, when paired with vision and compassion, can transform lives. It’s about restoring independence, dignity, and joy.

On the fairway or beyond, the foundation reminds us that everyone deserves the chance to stand tall and play.

To learn more about resources for adaptive golfers, clinics, and tournaments, visit us often.  And for more information on and to get involved visit The Stand Up and Play Foundation website