The NSW Minister for Disability Services, Ray Williams, the Member of Oatley, Mark Coure and Golf NSW Deputy Chair Michele Adair have visited Hurstville today to meet with participants who have benefitted from the Golfers with Disability program.
The skills training session, at Hurstville Golf Club, offers people with an intellectual disability a chance to learn how to play golf and build valuable friendships.
In 2016, the NSW Government contributed $20,000 to the initiative delivered by Golf NSW and Special Olympics Australia to assist in providing a two-year skill-based training program.
“Golf NSW and Special Olympics Australia have developed an excellent program to support people with a disability enjoy golf. Clubs and sporting organisations are a great way for people with disability to get involved in their communities,” Minister Williams said.
Member for Oatley, Mark Coure said the NSW Government was committed to creating an inclusive society.
“This is an excellent program for people with intellectual disability. Increasing participation in sporting activities and making new friends is an important step towards a more inclusive society,” Mr Coure said.
Rick van Brugge, Chief Operating Officer, Special Olympics Australia said the organisation was committed to providing more opportunities for people with an intellectual disability to participate in sport.
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“Through our partnership with Golf NSW and support from NSW Government, we have been able to create new sporting opportunities, form relationships and generate awareness of what Special Olympics offers,” said Mr van Brugge.
Manager of Game Development at Golf NSW, Andrew Robb, said the organisation was thrilled to be associated with Special Olympics Australia to assist people with an intellectual disability to participate in golf.
“The program, which was made possible with the assistance of the NSW Government, is a great initiative that provides access to golf courses, quality coaching and the opportunity for participants to take part in competitions against one another.
“Participants are discovering the social benefits of our sport also, healthy exercise, making new friends, and experiencing what golf is all about,” Mr Robb said.
Upon completion of the training, participants will be eligible to compete in skills competitions organised by Special Olympics Australia.
For more information on Golf NSW’s Golfers with Disability program go to http://www.golfnsw.org/Disability