National Invitational Tournament, Sept. 14-17, 2007
PORT ST. LUCIE, FLA. – The eighth annual Special Olympics National Invitational Tournament returns to PGA Golf Club for the fourth time in the history of event, Sept. 14-17, 2007. More than 200 golfers from 26 states will compete in one of five levels of competition on the award-winning Ryder and Wanamaker Courses (formerly the North and South Courses).
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 partner of more advanced skill for a 9-hole competition. Level III is Unified SportsÒ team play pairing Special Olympics and Unified partners of similar ability for an 18-hole competition. Levels IV and V are individual stroke play 9-hole and 18-hole competitions, respectively.
Olympic-style Opening Ceremonies will be held Friday, Sept. 14, with three competitive golf rounds played Saturday, Sept. 15, through Monday, Sept. 17. Medal ceremonies for the golf competition will take place immediately following the final round on Monday, Sept. 17.
The golf industry has joined to support Special Olympics golf with The PGA of America, USGA and PGA TOUR as presenting sponsors, the LPGA and GCSAA as supporting sponsors and the PGA Golf Club as event sponsors. The Special Olympics Global Partners include Adidas, Bank of America, Coca-Cola, Mattel and Starwood Hotels and Resorts.
"We are proud to partner with our industry’s allied associations once again to support the eighth annual Special Olympics Golf National Invitational Tournament," said PGA of America President Brian Whitcomb. "One of the core principles of The PGA of America is that golf is truly a game that everyone can enjoy, no matter what barriers may seem to stand in their way. Since 1988, The PGA of America and PGA Professionals from around the country have been strong advocates for Special Olympics golf. The rewards have been far-reaching – from the worldwide growth of the program to the personal interaction our members share with enthusiastic golfers who train hard, enjoy their good shots and embody the spirit of the game."
"Our PGA Professionals and staff are excited and honored to welcome back Special Olympics golfers, volunteers, coaches and family for their national tournament here at PGA Golf Club for the first time since 2003," said PGA Professional Bob Baldassari, General Manager of PGA Golf Properties. "Most people find that what is given to support Special Olympics is returned beyond measure by sharing in their joy of participation, camaraderie and competition. We are anxious to host an exciting three days of competition."
About Special Olympics
Special Olympics is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities to become physically fit, productive and respected members of society through sports training and competition. Founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, Special Olympics provides year-round sports training and competition to 2.5 million adults and children with intellectual disabilities across 165 countries. The Special Olympics Movement offers one of the world’s greatest platforms for acceptance and inclusion for all people regardless of race, religion, ethnicity or cultural differences. Find out how you can become involved at www.specialolympics.org.
About The PGA of America
The PGA of America is the world’s largest working sports organization, comprised of 28,000 men and women golf professionals who are the recognized experts in growing, teaching and managing the game of golf while serving millions of people throughout its 41 PGA Sections nationwide. Since its founding in 1916, The PGA of America has enhanced its leadership position in a $62 billion-a-year industry by growing the game of golf through its premier spectator events, world-class education and training programs, significant philanthropic outreach initiatives, and award-winning golf promotions. Today’s PGA Professional is the public’s link to the game, serving an essential role in the operation of golf facilities throughout the country.
About PGA Golf Club
The Ryder, Wanamaker and Dye Courses form a trio of world-class public courses at The PGA Golf Club, in Port St. Lucie, Fla. Named by Golf Digest as one of the "75 Best Golf Resorts in North America" for 2007-08, The PGA Golf Club also features the award-winning 35-acre PGA Learning Center golf park and PGA Historical Center. The PGA Golf Club exists to be one of the premier daily fee facilities in America, and to serve as a home club for our 28,000 PGA of America Golf Professionals.
Contact:
Sherry Major, 724.530.2808
smajor@reedexpo.com
