Photos from the Special Olympics Tournament
BRIDGEWATER, Va. – On an off weekend
for both programs, the Bridgewater Eagles men's and women's golf
teams took part in a special event at Lakeview Golf Course in
Harrisonburg, Va.
The Eagles supported competitors from around the state at the
annual Special Olympics Golf Tournament held on Saturday, October
5. Typically, the Eagles would be driving and putting from the
Lakeview greens in preparation for another tournament, but over the
weekend a dozen Bridgewater players accompanied the Special
Olympics competitors during their nine-hole outing, acting as
caddies, scorekeepers, fans, and friends.
The Special Olympic golfers represented a wide range of ages, as
well as a wide range of skill levels as they competed in an
alternate-shot format with their partners.
"Helping the players out helped me to see how much fun they make
the game of golf. They allowed me to realize it really is just a
game and is meant to be enjoyed, said sophomore men's
golfer Elijah
Tackett. "It's always nice to see the smile that you put on
someone's face. It makes me want to continue helping out with that
group every year."
Now in its fourth year, the tournament is an annual event organized
by Area Four of the Special Olympics of Virginia, which encompasses
Harrisonburg and the greater Harrisonburg area. Each year the event
is hosted by Lakeview's Director of Instruction, John Rogers, who
is also the head women's golf at Bridgewater.
Aside from organizing the event and his work in the golf community,
Rogers he has been the playing partner of a local Olympian, Ian
Frazier, for seven years.
"This was a banner year for our golf tournament," said Rogers. "We
had the best turnout of players we've ever had, and the addition of
volunteers from the Bridgewater teams made it a great day. It was
inspiring to see the college athletes interact with the Special
Olympic athletes. Even after the tournament everyone was hanging
out at the driving range and sharing a meal in the clubhouse.
That's what it's all about, developing relationships between two
great groups of people."
Bridgewater College's work with Special Olympics also coincides
with Division III's partnership with Special Olympics at the
national level. The partnership was initiated in 2011 by the
Division III Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) with the
purpose of improving the lives of Special Olympics athletes through
their involvement with Division III student-athletes and to foster
a mutual learning experience between Division III student-athletes
and Special Olympics athletes.
"The Special Olympics event was another great experience. With
my prior experience in Maine volunteering at the track
and field part, I found it doesn't matter if you win or lose, it's
about the athletes, this is their day to show their abilities, and
also have fun while doing it," said freshman men's golfer Mark
Corella. "When seeing their smile, it makes me personally feel
honored and grateful for what we have. Often times we take these
things for granted."
--- This release is
courtesy of the Bridgewater College sports information department.
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www.bridgewatereagles.com