Golf Business News – Golf Ireland has partnered with Special Olympics Ireland

Golf Ireland has established a pioneering partnership with Special Olympics Ireland, providing financial support and a renewed commitment to inclusion and accessibility in the sport of golf.

The partnership aims to enhance the experience of 600 Special Olympics athletes, providing them with greater opportunities to compete, train, and thrive in Ireland's most popular sport.

Since its inception in 1995, with a small group of dedicated athletes inspired by the Special Olympics World Games in Minneapolis, the Special Olympics Golf Program has grown into a powerhouse of inclusion and success.

Today it is one of the most popular sports among the Special Olympics in Ireland. As accessibility and inclusivity has increased in Golf, so has the development of skills and opportunities, culminating in a remarkable performance at the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin last year, when Team Ireland golfers returned with six medals.

“The best thing about the Special Olympics? Memories and friendship. The friendships I have made in two world games are amazing. You were looking at them, they were looking at you. That's friendship. Memories,” said Team Ireland golfer John Keating, who returned with a silver medal at the 2023 Special Olympics World Games in Berlin.

This partnership between Golf Ireland and Special Olympics Ireland is not just about funding; it's about a shared vision of the future. With the support of Golf Ireland, the Special Olympics Golf Program is ready to break new ground. Golf Ireland's support will be directed towards creating more accessible opportunities within clubs, increasing awareness and inclusion, and investing in the development of Special Olympics athletes, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to experience the joy of sport.

“We are delighted to be working with Special Olympics Ireland on this exciting partnership. At Golf Ireland, we are committed to ensuring that golf is for everyone and this initiative marks another step towards greater inclusion and accessibility. We are proud to support these outstanding athletes and look forward to watching them develop,” said Mark Kennelly, CEO of Golf Ireland.

Matt English, CEO of Special Olympics Ireland, added: “We are delighted to be working with Golf Ireland to promote inclusion and empowerment for athletes of all abilities. This partnership will create new opportunities for our athletes to enjoy golf and challenge certain stereotypes about mental disabilities. Together, we make sports more accessible to everyone.”

As the Special Olympics Golf Program continues to grow and prosper, this partnership marks an important step forward in ensuring that every athlete, regardless of ability, has the opportunity to experience the joys and benefits of golf. Together, Golf Ireland and Special Olympics Ireland are paving the way for an inclusive future, where the love of golf can be shared by all.

The next Special Olympics World Games are being held in Turin, Italy from March 8-16.