Health & Fitness
Oxford Special Olympics Golfers Excel, Par for the Course
Rewards come in all shapes and sizes. For Oxford Special Olympics Golf Athletes, the team camaraderie and sense of accomplishment was more important that the length or accuracy of their shot.
Each Tuesday evening for ten consecutive weeks in July and August, members of Oxford Special Olympics gathered for practice at Oxford Greens Golf Course. Coaches worked with individual athletes on skills such as driving (woods), irons, pitching, chipping, long putt, and short putt. Volunteers organized the athletes and kept the stations moving. The more skilled athletes went out on the course with a partner and played a few holes. Activities are modified according to the needs of each athlete, but the equipment is genuine and the rules are followed, so the accomplishments are real.
Local Coordinator Maureen "Mo" Blees commented: "This practice would not have been possible without the generosity of Oxford Greens Golf Club, which donated the balls, golf carts, and use of the facilities, including the driving range, putting green, and the course itself. Our athletes and partners are very fortunate to be able to practice at a premier golf facility." Head Coach Allen Aldrich kept things running smoothly, while Sports Coordinator Larry Doherty provided his limitless brand of inspiration and organization. "We have a wonderful group of athletes, and we really want to thank all the coaches, partners, volunteers, parents, and friends who give so much of their time."
Oxford Special Olympics provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for all people with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in the sharing of skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympic athletes and the community. OSO participates in Track and Field, Swimming, Cycling, Bowling, Volleyball, Snowshoeing, and Skiing, as well as Golf. Three years ago they added Croquet.
State competition for Golf was held at Sleeping Giant Golf Course on Saturday, Sept. 7. Athletes were challenged in a round of individual skills, or participated in a 9-hole alternate shot competition with a partner. Unified Croquet teams competed at Ocean House Resort in scenic Watch Hill, RI. on Sunday, Sept. 8. Athletes returned bearing smiles and medals.
For more information:
Oxford Special Olympics - http://www.oxfordso.org/
The Golf Club at Oxford Greens - http://www.oxfordgreens.com/
