Generous golfers hit the links at Prince George Golf and Curling Club Friday for the 28th Annual Special Olympics Prince George Charity Golf Tournament.
“The weather held out, on that end, the golfers had an amazing time as well as our athletes,” said Special Olympics Prince George Public Relations Coordinator Wilma Van Hage.
“The ones that were putting for the teams, we had another group of athletes that were doing the drive, and they really enjoyed meeting all the other golfers and I think the golf teams enjoyed meeting our athletes.”
Van Hage added the fundraising aspect was a massive success, with an estimated more than $100,000 raised.
“All the money here stays in Prince George,” she explained.
“We’ve got over 100 athletes that participate that in 14 different sport programs that run throughout the year.”
Van Hage said the money raised is used for facility rentals, and subsidizing their programs.
“So if the athletes are golfing they pay a nominal fee and we cover the rest, Special Olympics does, same as for the bowling, and swimming, curling, it covers all those major costs,” she said.
“Transportation is another big expense for us, living up here. Most of our competitions, we’re on a bus travelling somewhere, so it covers for the transportation, the accommodations, and the meals and that, also uniforms and stuff like that.”
Van Hage added they’re thankful for the community support.
“Every year we’re just amazed at how much support we get from the community for the golf tournament and even throughout the year,” she said.
“The athletes really enjoy being out in the community and meeting with people, it’s all about inclusion which is a huge part of what Special Olympics is all about.”
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