Special Olympics Golfers Set to Hit the Links at Second Annual Special Olympics National Golf Tournament

TORONTO, Sept. 30, 2013 /CNW/ - Special Olympics Canada is excited to welcome golfers from across the country for the second annual Special Olympics National Golf Tournament. This year's competition is being held at the beautiful University Golf Course in Vancouver, British Columbia, October 3-5. The Special Olympics National Golf Tournament is being presented in partnership with the PGA of Canada and British Columbia Golf.

Featuring 40 athletes, 16 coaches and 11 mission staff, the second annual National Golf Tournament will showcase athleticism and golf prowess from across the country. Participants will take part in three rounds of golf, as well as training sessions conducted with world-class instruction from PGA of Canada professionals. The tournament will provide Special Olympics athletes with the opportunity to compete in a golf competition at the national level.

Golf, still a relatively new sport for Special Olympics in Canada, was first introduced into sports programming in 2008 and has since been implemented into provincial games throughout the country. It is one of Special Olympics Canada's fastest-growing sports with an increase in golfers by just over 300% in only a few years.

Athletes will not only be testing the tournament format, they will also get an early look at the University Golf Course in Vancouver, the same course for the golf competition at the 2014 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games.

The Transformative Power of Sport

Susie Doyens discovered golf and has used the sport to change her life. Born with Down syndrome, Susie was mute for her entire childhood, mainly due to anxiety and social pressure. Through Special Olympics programming, predominantly playing golf, Susie was able to discover her confidence and dramatically improve her quality of life.  Please watch Susie's story and see her transformation - http://www.specialolympics.ca/connect/media-gallery/videos.

For more information, visit www.specialolympics.ca or follow us on Facebook and on Twitter @SpecialOCanada - #SOCGolf.

About Special Olympics Canada

Established in 1969, the Canadian chapter of this international movement is dedicated to enriching the lives of Canadians with an intellectual disability through sport. Operating out of sports clubs in all Canadian provinces and territories, except Nunavut, this grassroots movement reaches beyond the sphere of sports to empower individuals, change attitudes and build communities. From two-year-olds to mature adults, more than 35,000 children, youth and adults with an intellectual disability are registered in Special Olympics year-round programs across Canada, and they are supported by more than 16,000 volunteers, including more than 12,000 trained coaches.

SOURCE: Special Olympics Canada

Bill Wilson
Special Olympics Canada
Director, Marketing & Communications
T: 416.927.9050 ext. 4383
E: [email protected]

Megan Grittani-Livingston
Special Olympics British Columbia
Manager, Communications
T: 604.737.3077
E: [email protected]