Special Olympics

The USGA has supported Special Olympics Golf since 1992, contributing more than $400,000 to assist in the development of local programs and the organization’s annual National Invitational Golf Tournament. Through Special Olympics, people with intellectual disabilities have an opportunity to participate in their communities and develop belief in themselves. For athletes, Special Olympics provide a gateway to empowerment, competence, acceptance, and joy.

Since 2006, the USGA has served as a Presenting Sponsor of the National Invitational Golf Tournament. In doing so, the USGA helps to ensure that Special Olympics athletes have an opportunity to compete in a national caliber golf competition. The National Invitational Golf Tournament has five levels of competition to serve athletes of varying skill levels and abilities. The drive to participate in the Tournament encourages local Special Olympics organizations to offer golf programming to the thousands of Special Olympians throughout the country. Other allied golf organizations, including the PGA of America, PGA Tour, LPGA, and GCSAA, have joined the USGA in supporting Special Olympics.

Additionally, through its P.J. Boatwright Jr. Internship Program, the USGA has provided administrative support to the NIT and for sport development at the national level.

Through its support of the National Alliance for Accessible Golf, the USGA continues to provide support to local Special Olympics organizations that seek to grow their programs. For more information about this grant opportunity, please visit the “Grants” section of www.accessgolf.org or contact grants@accessgolf.org.

To learn more about Special Olympics golf program opportunities, please visit Special Olympics Golf.