Ability Fitness Center hosts newly-renamed Billy Grey Golf Tournament

In its 10th year, the newly-renamed Billy Grey Memorial Golf Tournament raised support for thousands of hours of guided exercise for people with paralysis, mobility-related disorders and neurological conditions at Ability Fitness Center based at The Arc of Loudoun. 

“The Ability Fitness Center board is grateful for the community’s generous response to memorialize Billy Grey,” Ability Fitness Center Board of Directors Chair Freddie Hetzel said.

“A beautiful day of golf will provide over 3,500 hours of guided exercise to those who are in financial need.” 

The tournament Oct. 12 at Purcellville’s Loudoun Golf and Country Club was renamed this year in honor of the late Billy Grey, one of the founding directors of Ability Fitness Center and one of its first clients. 

“Billy was not only a committed Board Member and golf tournament co-chair, he was a client of Ability Fitness Center and brought cheer and encouragement to others in the gym,” Ability Fitness Center Board Member Kelly Carberry said. “We are grateful to all of Billy’s family and friends who continue to support Ability Fitness Center.”  

Grey, who suffered a spinal cord injury as a teenager, and his wife Shannon Grey were founding directors of the Ability Fitness Center. This year marks the 10th year of the tournament, which the Greys chaired from its founding in 2013 until they moved to North Carolina in 2021, and which Billy Grey called “our baby.” 

And during the ceremonies this year, Shannon Grey announced she will return to chair the golf tournament next year. 

All proceeds from the tournament go to fund scholarships and new equipment. To date the Ability Fitness Center has given out more than $240,000 in scholarships to help people in the community who would not otherwise be able to attend. 

The Ability Fitness Center is a gym for people with disabilities, providing therapeutic fitness and wellness with expert clinicians, specialized equipment, and innovative, customized and activity-based interventions that increase functional ability for people with spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, stroke, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, cerebral palsy, balance disorders, developmental disabilities, and other neurological conditions. The center, based at The Arc of Loudoun in Leesburg, strives to improve the quality of life for its clients with its dedication to providing accessible therapies tailored towards their needs. 

“Billy Grey was part of Ability Fitness Center from the beginning, not only as a client, but as an essential part of the board, a tireless fundraiser and an amazing example to our other clients of how to live life with a neurologic injury and still thrive,” Ability Fitness Center Clinical Director Helen Parker said. “Billy and his wife helped raise the funds needed to create the center, fill it with our fabulous equipment, and pay for scholarships.”  

“We thank the Ability Fitness Center Board of Directors for continuing to host this amazing fundraiser each year,” Arc of Loudoun President and CEO Lisa Kimball said. “The partnership between The Arc of Loudoun and the Ability Fitness Center is invaluable, and the funds the Billy Grey Memorial Tournament raises for equipment and scholarships lead to life-changing impacts on the people they serve.” 

More information about Ability Fitness Center is online at abilityfitnesscenter.org.