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Special Olympics South Africa and the PGA of South Africa are joining forces to deliver golf training and competition opportunities to individuals with an intellectual disability in Gauteng. The development program will see Special Olympics athletes receiving weekly coaching by PGA apprentices before proceeding to a one-day competition scheduled for 9 June 2008 at Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Club in Linksfield.
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There are more than 1 million individuals with intellectual disabilities in South Africa, many of whom live in social isolation, with little support or opportunities to participate in society. Special Olympics thus offers year round sports training and competition opportunities for both children and adults with an intellectual disability, giving them an opportunity to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and become integrated and valued members of our society.
“The Professional Golfers Association is indeed honored to be part of Special Olympics Golf,” says Dennis Bruyns, PGA Chief Executive. “It gives our trainee professionals the opportunity to gain coaching experience at the same time as making a valued contribution to our society. Sport gives us the opportunity to bring people together, and it is our belief that 'golf' - the game for everyone and the game of a lifetime - gives the best opportunity for this to happen. We look forward to making this a most memorable occasion for all participants”.
The PGA of South Africa has committed to provide 30 members each week to teach participants the fundamentals of the game. In addition they will also be involved in the entire event management of the clinics and tournament.
The program will see over 80 Special Olympics athletes going through weekly coaching clinics with PGA apprentices at Linksfield's Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Club. After almost two months of training, the aspirant golfers will be given an opportunity to show off their talent in either individual skills competition, 9 hole or 18 hole rounds in a one-day tournament and be awarded for their position attained in true Special Olympics tradition.
For more information, contact: Annemarie van Wieringen, Special Olympics South Africa at avanwieringen@specialolympics.org or Tel: 011 783 8533 Or The Professional Golfers Association, Janyne Marais on janyne@pgasa.com or 011 485 1370
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