Golf is a game that provides the opportunity to be your best.
I am blessed to have coached the Lowcountry Special Olympics Golf Team for seven years. I enjoyed the timid 7th graders who came to our first classes and now seeing those same young adults confidently working in local stores.
During our seven years together, I learned how the SOAR System works to integrate those with special needs into society. Providing sports and recreation programs encourages a healthy and active lifestyle. SOAR incorporates activities such as tennis, horseback riding, golf, bowling, swimming, bocce and cheerleading. In addition, they enjoy the opportunity to grow, interact and develop and become active in the community. SOAR has a special place in my heart, and I want to see the organization prosper.
When Chris came to his first class, he would not look at me. He had no confidence, was in a strange environment and clammed up. As we shared golf with him and the other students, they blossomed like roses. Chris went on to win the South Carolina Special Olympics Golf Championship and competed in Nebraska for the National Championship, where he finished second. Wow! Chris is now in his twenties and has held a full-time job for over two years.
I invite you to support Special Olympics and SOAR. Please join us and share in a life-giving round of golf.
Article and photos by Doug Weaver, Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort.
Ranked the #2 Instructor in South Carolina by Golf Digest and a former PGA Tour pro, Doug Weaver is the Director of Instruction at the Palmetto Dunes Golf Academy and leads “Where Does the Power Come From?” a complimentary golf clinic and exhibition on Mondays at 4 p.m. For details and reservations for golf clinics, classes, lessons and on-course instruction, call 888-322-9091 or visit www.palmettodunes.com.
