PALM BEACH GARDENS, FLA. – A field of 160 golfers from 18 U.S. programs will compete in the 10th Annual Special Olympics Golf National Invitational Tournament, July 31-Aug. 3, in Lincoln, Neb.
The Mahoney Golf Course and Highlands Golf Course in Lincoln will host the annual tournament for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics golfers ranging from ages 13 to 57 will test their golf skills in five levels of competition for athletes of different abilities. Several top-performing competitors in the 18-hole individual stroke play competition are returning while nearly 20 family pairings of fathers-sons, mothers-daughters and brothers will compete in the 9- and 18-hole team competitions.
“Special Olympics, like the game of golf, provides rewarding recreational and competitive opportunities that cross boundaries of age, gender and skill levels,” said PGA of America President, Jim Remy. “The 10th annual Special Olympics Golf National Invitational Tournament is again a prime example of the principles of golf ~ inclusion, sportsmanship, respect among players and satisfaction in a shot well-played. On behalf of the 28,000 men and women PGA Professionals, we wish all of the athletes and team partners an exciting week of competitive golf and look forward to welcoming them back to their home courses for additional playing opportunities throughout the year.”
Special Olympics golf offers five levels of competition for athletes of different abilities. Level I is 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 Sports® team play, pairing Special Olympics athletes 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. Competition for levels I, III & V will take place at Highlands Golf Course, while Level II & IV competitors will play at Mahoney Golf Course.
The Special Olympics Golf National Invitational Tournament travels to Lincoln this year as a precursor to the community’s hosting of the 2010 Special Olympics USA Summer Games. Olympic-style Opening Ceremonies will tee off the 2009 tournament on Fri., July 31, on the campus of the University of Nebraska. Three competitive golf rounds will be played Aug. 1-3, with medal ceremonies held immediately following the final round at each golf facility on Mon., Aug. 3. The golf industry has pledged its support once again with The PGA of America and USGA as presenting sponsors, and the GCSAA as supporting sponsor.
About Special Olympics
Special Olympics is an international organization that changes lives by encouraging and empowering people with intellectual disabilities, promoting acceptance for all, and fostering communities of understanding and respect worldwide. Founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, the Special Olympics movement has grown from a few hundred athletes to nearly 3.1 million athletes in 175 countries in all regions of the world, providing year-round sports training, athletic competition and other related programs. Special Olympics now takes place every day, changing the lives of people with intellectual disabilities in places like China and from regions like the Middle East to the community playgrounds and ball fields in every small neighborhood. Special Olympics provides people with intellectual disabilities continuing opportunities to realize their potential, develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy and friendship. Visit Special Olympics at www.specialolympics.org.
About The PGA of America
Since 1916, The PGA of America’s mission has been twofold: to establish and elevate the standards of the profession and to grow interest and participation in the game of golf.
By establishing and elevating the standards of the golf profession through world-class education, career services, marketing and research programs, the Association enables PGA Professionals to maximize their performance in their respective career paths and showcases them as experts in the game and in the multi-billion dollar golf industry.
By creating and delivering dramatic world-class championships and exciting and enjoyable golf promotions that are viewed as the best of their class in the golf industry, The PGA of America elevates the public’s interest in the game, the desire to play more golf, and ensures accessibility to the game for everyone, everywhere. The PGA of America brand represents the very best in golf.
Contact:
Sherry Major
305/318-5208
sherrymajor@verizon.net
