The International Series made a $25,000 donation to Special Olympics Great Britain and also provided a playing opportunity to one of the charity’s golfers during tournament week at International Series England, the Asian Tour-sanctioned event that took place at Foxhills Club & Resort in Surrey earlier this month.
Special Olympics GB uses the power of sport to transform the lives of people with an intellectual disability and the donation from The International Series was made to support its efforts in working with more than 6,600 children and adults at grassroots clubs across England, Scotland and Wales.
The donation will support Special Olympics GB in driving unified and inclusive sporting opportunities for people with and without an intellectual disability through collaborations with its accredited clubs and external organisations.
The tournament, the fourth of 10 elevated Asian Tour events which create a pathway onto the LIV Golf League, also provided a playing opportunity for Special Olympics GB athlete Warren Clark, with the scratch golfer taking part in the pro-am in a four-ball that included American golfer Michael Block, plus Team GB hockey Olympians James Albery and Sam Ward.
Paul Richardson, Special Olympics GB chair, said: “Sports such as golf have a valuable role to play in society and to adults and children with intellectual disabilities. They offer the chance to participate, to have a go and to make friends within a wider community.
“We are extremely grateful to The International Series for giving Warren this invitation. He is a scratch golfer and a particularly talented player, and his participation exemplifies what is possible for people with intellectual disabilities. That four ball is a great example of our Unified approach.
“Golf is a wonderful sport that provides the environment and the facilities that encourage people to take part, and to have a go. Through sporting activities, it is easier to make friends and connect with others while participating.”
Rahul Singh, Head of The International Series, said: “Through this contribution we want to support the efforts of Special Olympics GB in its efforts to support the growth of golf for people with an intellectual disability across the country. We have an ongoing commitment to the growth of the game in the destinations that host our tournaments, and we are proud to support efforts to foster inclusivity and community development through the sport we are all passionate about.”
Speaking of his experience, Special Olympic GB athlete Warren Clark said: “It was a wonderful experience. It has been a fantastic opportunity for me, and I even managed to get some tips on my putting from Michael! It was an amazing day.”