PGA of America, USGA, PGA TOUR, LPGA & GCSAA Unite to Support Special Olympics Golf
PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. – Golf will be one of 12 competitive sports in the first ever Special Olympics USA National Games in Ames, Iowa, July 1-8, 2006, and has the strong support of The PGA of America, United States Golf Association (USGA), PGA TOUR, Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) and the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) to ensure its success.
Nearly 200 Special Olympics golfers from 43 states will compete in one of five levels of competition, July 3-5, at the Ames Golf & Country Club and Coldwater Golf Links in Ames, Iowa. Olympic-style Opening Ceremonies for some 3,000 Special Olympics athletes will be held July 2 with three competitive golf rounds played July 3-5. Medal ceremonies for the golf competition will take place immediately following the final round, July 5. Additionally, all Special Olympics USA National Games participants and family members will be able to participate in a Play Golf America Day, July 6, presented by The PGA of America and the Iowa PGA Section in the Games Festival Village at Iowa State University.
"I commend The PGA of America, USGA, PGA TOUR, LPGA and GCSAA for joining in support of our athletes," said Bob Gobrecht, Managing Director for Special Olympics North America. "The patronage of these organizations not only helps our athletes succeed on golf courses, but it changes attitudes toward our athletes to those of acceptance and inclusion."
The PGA of America and USGA have supported the annual Special Olympics golf tournament for the past seven years with the PGA TOUR joining as presenting sponsor and the LPGA and the GCSAA as supporting sponsors in 2005.
"We are proud to partner with the USGA, PGA TOUR, LPGA & GCSAA in supporting this year’s Special Olympics Golf Tournament at the first Special Olympics USA National Games," said PGA of America President Roger Warren. "Since 1988, The PGA of America and PGA Professionals from around the country have been proud advocates for Special Olympics golf. Our members have enjoyed uplifting experiences with enthusiastic Special Olympics golfers who truly embody the spirit of the game and the worldwide growth of the Special Olympics golf program has been very gratifying at every level of our Association."
"We are pleased to be working again with the allied golf associations, combining our resources and efforts for a successful USA National Games," said USGA President Walter Driver. "Since 1991, the USGA Grants Program has focused on making golf available to all segments of our population, including golfers with disabilities. It is extremely gratifying to support Special Olympics golf not only because it promotes the game to those with intellectual disabilities, but also because golf brings families closer together in the process."
"The PGA TOUR is very proud to be a presenting sponsor for the Special Olympics golf tournament," said Tim Finchem, Commissioner of the PGA TOUR. "The Special Olympics provide an enriching experience for both the participant and observer alike, and we are delighted to be able to contribute to furthering the goal of inclusion for these special athletes."
"The LPGA is honored to serve as supporting sponsor of the Special Olympics USA National Games," said Dr. Betsy Clark, LPGA vice president of professional development. "The Special Olympics speak to the true meaning of sports– heart, enjoyment and inclusion– and Special Olympics athletes provide inspiration to LPGA members, staff and fans. We are honored to call ourselves partners."
"We are pleased and honored to join the other golf associations in sponsoring the Special Olympics National Golf Championship," GCSAA President Sean A. Hoolehan, CGCS said. "As an association and as professionals in the golf industry, we are committed to providing access and opportunity to those who have not had it in the past. We offer our best to all of the competitors this year and to the others who participate in Special Olympics programs.
Special Olympics golf, part of a worldwide sports program for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, offers five levels of play for athletes with different golf abilities. Level I consists of an individual skills contest where six golf skills are tested. Level II is an alternate shot team play where a Special Olympics athlete is paired with a non-Special Olympics athlete of more advanced skill for a 9-hole competition. Level III is Unified SportsÒ team play pairing Special Olympics and non-Special Olympics players of similar ability for an 18-hole competition. Levels IV and V are individual stroke play 9-hole and 18-hole competitions, respectively.
About Special Olympics
Special Olympics is an international organization that changes lives by promoting understanding, acceptance and inclusion between people with and without intellectual disabilities. Through year-round sports training and athletic competition and other related programming for more than 2.25 million children and adults with intellectual disabilities in more than 150 countries, Special Olympics has created a model community that celebrates people’s diverse gifts. Founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, Special Olympics provides people with intellectual disabilities continuing opportunities to realize their potential, develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy and friendship. There is no cost to participate in Special Olympics. Visit Special Olympics at www.specialolympics.org.
Contact:
Kirsten Seckler
Special Olympics
202-715-1147
kseckler@specialolympics.org
Sherry Major
PGA of America
954-432-1949
smajor@reedexpo.com
Karen Moraghan, USGA
908-876-5100
kmoraghan@hunter-pr.com
Chris Smith, PGA TOUR
904-273-3379
csmith@pgatourhq.com
Laura Neal – LPGA
386-274-6278
laura.neal@lpga.com
Jeff Bollig – GCSAA
800-472-7878 ext. 4430
jbollig@gcsaa.org
