IMMEDIATE RELEASE



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IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 6, 2010

PLAY GOLF AMERICA EXPERIENCE PLANNED FOR

2010 SPECIAL OLYMPICS USA NATIONAL GAMES

Nebraska PGA Section Supports National Games Week

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. – The PGA of America and the Nebraska PGA Section will host a Play Golf America Experience – a complimentary clinic for all Special Olympics athletes and spectators featuring PGA Professional expert instruction – on July 19, 2010, during the 2010 Special Olympics USA National Games in Lincoln, Nebraska.

The Play Golf America Experience is among several initiatives providing comprehensive support by the national association, its Nebraska section office and regional PGA Professionals to the golf competition and USA National Games. Golf is one of 13 competitive sports at the event for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

Special Olympics anticipates the participation of some 2,800 athletes from 48 states; 1,000 coaches; 8,000 volunteers; 15,000 family members and friends; and 30,000 estimated spectators making the USA National Games the largest multi-sport event in the history of Nebraska and one of the largest multi-sport events in the United States during 2010.

The Play Golf America Experience will be staged on Monday, July 19, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at the Special Olympics Sports Experience within Special Olympics Town at the Pershing Auditorium on the University of Nebraska, Lincoln campus. All athletes, family members, volunteers and spectators are invited to participate in the clinic.

When nearly 200 golfers from 39 states compete in one of five levels of competition, July 19-21, more than 30 Nebraska PGA Professionals will volunteer their time as Rules officials and tournament operators throughout the three-round golf competition held at Mahoney Golf Course and Highlands Golf Course in Lincoln. Also, during the July 18 practice round PGA Professionals will volunteer with final preparations and instruction advice for golfers. The national office of The PGA of America is providing additional assistance with Rules officials, tournament administration and course setup, as well as financial contributions. Also, PGA of America Honorary President Brian Whitcomb will attend the 2010 Special Olympics USA National Games and present a formal PGA of America proclamation of support to Special Olympics North America on Monday, July 19, at 4:00 p.m. on the Fan Fest stage of Special Olympics Town.

“The 2010 Special Olympics USA National Games is a tremendous opportunity to share the fun and lifetime benefits of the game with Special Olympics athletes, their families, coaches, friends and volunteers,” said PGA of America President Jim Remy. “It is reminiscent of The PGA’s first large-scale clinic nearly 20 years ago at the 1991 Special Olympics Games, where PGA Professionals introduced golf to thousands of athletes and volunteer coaches. Since then, many of our 28,000 men and women PGA Professionals have been proud to champion the growth of the program, resulting in some 18,000 participating Special Olympics golfers in the U.S.”

“The time shared and volunteer spirit that our Nebraska PGA Professionals are giving for the Play Golf America Experience should make this a great night for everyone involved,” said David Honnens, PGA, executive director of the Nebraska PGA Section. “It promises to be an exciting week for all of the competitors and our PGA Professional volunteers. We are enthusiastic to encourage athletes, friends and families to enjoy the fun of golf, not just that day, but when they get home too.”

Olympic-style Opening Ceremonies will be held July 18 with three competitive golf rounds played July 19-21. Awards ceremonies for the golf competition will take place immediately following the final round on July 21.

Special Olympics golf offers five levels of competition for athletes of all abilities. Level I is an individual skills contest, where six golf skills are tested. Level II is an alternate shot team play, where a Special Olympics athlete is paired with a non-Special Olympics partner of more advanced skill for a 9-hole competition. Level III is Unified Sports team play, pairing Special Olympics and Unified partners of similar ability for an 18-hole competition. Levels IV and V are individual stroke-play 9-hole and 18-hole competitions, respectively. Competition for Levels I, III & V will take place at Highlands Golf Course, while Level II & IV competitors will play at Mahoney Golf Course.

The PGA of America and USGA are supporting the golf competition at the Games and have provided support vital to the growth and development of the Special Olympics Golf program since it began in 1988. 

About the 2010 Special Olympics USA National Games

The 2010 Special Olympics USA National Games in Lincoln, Neb. will showcase and celebrate the Special Olympics movement and athletes from across the United States, while illustrating the power of sports to educate and inform about the true abilities and achievements of people with intellectual disabilities. From July 18-23, 2010, nearly 3,000 athletes will compete in 13 Olympic-style sports, with the support of 1,000 coaches, 8,000 volunteers and an estimated 15,000 family and friends. In addition to sports, the USA National Games will offer various programs in health, wellness and education. To learn more, please visit .

About Special Olympics

Special Olympics is an international organization that changes lives by encouraging and empowering people with intellectual disabilities, promoting acceptance for all, and fostering communities of understanding and respect worldwide. Founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, the Special Olympics movement has grown from a few hundred athletes to nearly 3.5 million athletes in over 170 countries in all regions of the world, providing year-round sports training, athletic competition and other related programs.  Special Olympics now takes place every day, changing the lives of people with intellectual disabilities in places like China and from regions like the Middle East to the community playgrounds and ball fields in every small neighborhood’s backyard.  Special Olympics provides people with intellectual disabilities continuing opportunities to realize their potential, develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy and friendship. Visit Special Olympics at .

About The PGA of America

Since 1916, The PGA of America's mission has been twofold: to establish and elevate the standards of the profession and to grow interest and participation in the game of golf.

 By establishing and elevating the standards of the golf profession through world-class education, career services, marketing and research programs, the Association enables PGA Professionals to maximize their performance in their respective career paths and showcases them as experts in the game and in the multi-billion dollar golf industry.

 By creating and delivering dramatic world-class championships and exciting and enjoyable golf promotions that are viewed as the best of their class in the golf industry, The PGA of America elevates the public's interest in the game, the desire to play more golf, and ensures accessibility to the game for everyone, everywhere. The PGA of America brand represents the very best in golf.

The PGA of America is divided into 41 geographical sections providing a grassroots network to accomplish direct communication with the nation’s 27 million amateur golfers. For more information on The PGA, visit . For more information on the Nebraska PGA Section, visit .

About Play Golf America

Play Golf America, designed to increase participation among new and occasional adult golfers, was developed by The PGA of America, with the support of Allied Associations including: the LPGA, National Golf Course Owners Association, PGA Tour, USGA and others involved in the annual Golf 20/20 Conference. The program utilizes the Web site to serve as a link for consumers to access fun, affordable and informative programs in their area.

Media Contacts:

Jennifer Brooks, Special Olympics, 202-824-0237, jdbrooks@

Sherry Major, The PGA of America, 305-318-5208 or sherrymajor@

David Honnens, Nebraska PGA Section, 402-489-7760, dhonnens@

Pete Kowalski, USGA, 908-234-2300 or pkowalksi@

The PGA of America, 100 Avenue of the Champions, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418

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