Bensalem, PA -- VTree, LLC and three-time Major champion Ernie Els proudly tee off and launch “My Golf Game” - a dynamic, interactive golf video game engineered specifically for golf enthusiasts of all ages and especially those with special needs.
“The goal of “My Golf Game” is to give millions of people with special needs the opportunity to play golf on a modern video game,” says Chuck Bergen, founder and president, Vtree, LLC.
“It will be totally interactive as we have designed it with the capacity to use touch screen, foot pedals, voice recognition and other adaptive, assistive technology devices, in addition to traditional devices like a mouse, keyboards, and Xbox 360™ game controllers”.
“My Golf Game” is DVD-based for the PC that utilizes EA SPORTS technologies to bring authentic golf action to the gamer.
Current World #8 Ernie Els adds: “I am proud to be associated with “My Golf Game.” As a parent of a child with autism it is great to see such a high quality game available to a wider group of gamers that will help develop key coordination skills.”
A percentage from the sales of “My Golf Game” will go to The Els for Autism Foundation. The foundation, founded in 2009, is working to build a world class Center of Excellence - the first of its kind, incorporating all the services a child with autism needs in order to become a productive member of society. It will combine cutting-edge education, therapy and research for children in the autism spectrum. You can read more about The Els for Autism Foundation and their work at http://www.ernieels.com/autism.
“My Golf Game” is currently being trialled in VA hospitals by our injured veterans who have helped to refine the game during its development.
The game has been created to be inclusive and accommodate children and adults with special needs. The game can be played solo or with up to four players competing at the same time. Three levels of play allow for practicing the four basic golf skills (driving, putting, chipping, and bunker play). Like real golf, the speed of the game or match is played at the level of the individual user’s skills, allowing anyone to practice and play in a comfortable environment which promotes confidence and fun while reducing frustration. Users, family, friends, and caregivers can all play together at their own individual pace.
“My Golf Game” has eight standard golfers to choose from, four male and four female avatars. Ernie Els is one of the avatars and users can create and add their own player customizing their physical looks, clothing, clubs, logos, etc.
VTree’s “My Golf Game” is available in a PC-based format that can be played on any desktop or laptop with a Windows XP, Vista, or Windows7 operating system. The game is compatible with any USB XBOX game controllers and many USB adaptive devices.
The game sells for $44.95 and can be ordered by visiting www.vtreellc.com.
ENDS
About Vtree LLC
Headquartered in Bensalem. PA VTree LLC is a leader in the special needs software and assistive technology industry. The company develops products that make a real difference in the lives of children and adults with disabilities, enabling them to achieve a higher level of satisfaction in their lives. The most important part of VTree™ LLC's products, and our overall philosophy, is that the products are fun.
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About The Els for Autism Foundation
The Els for Autism Foundation was established by Ernie and his wife Liezl and has since embarked on a campaign to build a 300-student school and research facility, The Center of Excellence, located in West Palm Beach, Florida, USA.
The Center will be the first of its kind in the world, incorporating all the services a child with autism needs in order to become a productive member of society. It will combine cutting-edge education, therapy and research for children in the autism spectrum. Through its proposed digital learning program, the Center will have a global reach, thus helping individuals and families all over the world. It will also help connect the international autism community with best practices and the very latest information and research.
For a brochure on The Center of Excellence, featuring a personal introduction by Ernie Els, go to http://www.ernieels.com/global/Autism_Center_of_Excellence.html.
If you are interested in becoming a founder of the Center of Excellence, a group known as the ELS 22, contact the Executive Director of Els for Autism, Susan Hollo. Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Game code and certain audio elements © 2010 Electronic Arts Inc. EA, EA SPORTS and the EA SPORTS logo are trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.