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Special Olympics South Africa and the PGA of South Africa joined forces to deliver a superb golf tournament for almost 100 Special Olympics athletes at the Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Course in Linksfield, Johannesburg, South Africa, on 9 June 2008. Seventeen female and 66 male athletes from 11 different special schools and centers throughout Gauteng Province competed in the individual skills contest level. Additionally, 12 experienced athletes competed in four 3-balls playing 9 holes and 18 holes.
This tournament was the culmination of a program that saw 80 Special Olympics athletes going through weekly coaching clinics with 30 PGA apprentices at Linksfield's Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Club. The Special Olympics athletes received more than two months of weekly training and, as aspiring golfers, were given an opportunity to show off their skills and were awarded for the position attained in true Special Olympics tradition.
Special Olympics South Africa offers golf competition opportunities in the provinces of Western Cape, KZN and Gauteng, and together these sub-Programs reach 146 athletes annually. Gauteng has the largest program due to a partnership with Vodacom's World of Golf, which provides training facilities weekly, as well as a recent partnership with the PGA and Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Club who provide coaching and facilities, and organize an annual competition for approximately 100 athletes. Over the past few weeks, athletes have had additional coaching opportunities on Friday afternoons as PGA apprentices have taken the athletes through the various skills.
Special Olympics South Africa's vision is to expand the sport of golf within the three provinces and to continue to improve the standard of golf coaching and competition opportunities through meaningful partnerships with associations such as the PGA and other clubs. Additionally, the Program will increase Special Olympics South Africa's exposure through participation of athletes in events such as corporate golf days and the Gary Player Pro-am. Special Olympics South Africa is proud to congratulate Tom Lugg on his invitation to participate in the Gary Player Pro Am Tournament which will take place in Arabella in November 2008. |
