PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. -- More than 200 golfers from 21 states will compete in the 10th Annual Special Olympics Golf National Invitational Tournament, July 31 - Aug. 3, at the Mahoney Golf Course and Highlands Golf Course in Lincoln, Neb. The golf industry has pledged its support once again with The PGA of America, USGA and PGA Tour as presenting sponsors, and the LPGA and GCSAA as supporting sponsors.
Special Olympics golf is part of a worldwide sports program for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Their annual 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.
"We are so proud of our association with Special Olympics that began twenty years ago when The PGA of America first introduced golf to Special Olympics USA," said PGA of America President Jim Remy. "Since then, PGA Professionals from around the country have been every day, grassroots advocates for the growth of Special Olympics golf. Today, more than 17,000 Special Olympics athletes enjoy playing the great sport of golf with family and friends and in competitive tournaments nationwide. It is a privilege to continue supporting Special Olympics golf at every level, including our presenting sponsorship for the 10th consecutive year of the Special Olympics Golf National Invitational Tournament."
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 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. Competition for levels I, III & V will take place at Highlands Golf Course, while Level II & IV competitors will play at Mahoney Golf Course.
"It brings us extreme pleasure to be holding our 10th annual Golf National Invitational Tournament in Lincoln, Neb., site of the Special Olympics 2010 USA National Games," said Bob Gobrecht, managing director, Special Olympics North America. "This tournament will be serving as a test event for the 2010 USA National Games and will be providing the Lincoln community with the chance to support outstanding golfers from 21 U.S. Programs.
"We will also use this event as a springboard in rallying efforts for volunteer recruitment for the 2010 USA National Games. Special Olympics USA is thrilled with the growth this tournament has seen each year and the opportunity it has provided to the many athletes and Programs is invaluable."
Chuck Cooper, President/CEO of the Special Olympics 2010 USA National Games added, "The PGA of America's continued support and participation of the Special Olympics Golf National Invitational Tournament will provide the 2010 USA National Games Organizing Committee with the opportunity to take this event to new heights. Golf is a successful way of introducing Special Olympics athletes' abilities to the entire country, and lends a commonality that everyone can recognize. The involvement of golf's allied organizations is especially appreciated for the important contribution it has with our education and inclusion initiatives of the Games."
Special Olympics U.S. programs sending golf delegations to the 2009 Special Olympics Golf National Invitational Tournament include:
Alabama
Arizona
Connecticut
Florida
Illinois
Indiana
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maryland
Massachusetts
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
North Carolina
South Carolina
Tennessee
Texas
Virginia
Wisconsin
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 ballfields 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 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.
