The Orthotic & Prosthetic Assistance Fund (OPAF) announced that Seth "Eric" McLarty of Ballinger, Texas, has been named the 2008 Dale Yasukawa Memorial Scholarship winner. McLarty was selected from a panel of applicants who are all currently enrolled in Northwestern University's orthotics and prosthetics program, and he will receive a check for $500 to be used toward attending his local American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists (the Academy) chapter meeting and/or a national meeting. Funds may also be used to help offset schooling costs. "It is a great honor to receive the OPAF Dale Yasukawa Memorial Fund Scholarship. I am very excited to be a part of an organization filled with great people and great ideas," McLarty said. A Navy veteran honored with two achievement medals for meritorious conduct during overseas deployment while serving in the Middle East, McLarty also works with organizations benefiting the West Texas Rehabilitation Center. "We are pleased to award this ongoing scholarship to Eric and know that he will work to continue the goals that Dale Yasukawa set forth for giving back to your community and a commitment to the O&P field. The OPAF Board of Directors believes in these goals and takes them as part of our mission," said Robin Burton, OPAF's executive director. First Volley Update In other OPAF news, the organization's recently hosted a number of First VolleyTM adaptive tennis clinics for amputees and those with physical challenges. Darren Kindred, the First Volley director of tennis, led participants through the paces at an event for Berke Prosthetics in Redwood City, California, and back-to-back events for the Shriners Hospital for Children in the greater Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, area. Attendees at the Shriners Clinic included representatives from Shriners Hospital, as well as Prince Sports and OPAF board members. Several adult First Volley veterans volunteered their time to serve as ball chasers for the kids and as examples of active adult amputees, Burton said. OPAF and the Bucks County Parks and Recreation Department also hosted a First Volley clinic at the Bucks County Frosty Hollow Tennis Center, with 15 participants taking part.
