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."