DALLAS – Beginning in 2024, Topgolf will be an officially sanctioned event with Special Olympics, company officials announced this week.
Topgolf, which is based in Dallas, said Special Olympics athletes can compete in Topgolf as individuals or with a team through Special Olympics Unified Sports, an organization that brings people with and without intellectual disabilities together on the same team to train and compete.
There are more than 80 top golf venues around the world offering a variety of technology-driven games with a food and drink menu.
“Now more than ever, we have a responsibility to invite everyone to the game of golf, and our partnership with Special Olympics will help us continue to unleash the power of the game and bring more joy to more people,” said Geoff Cottrill, Chief Brand Officer of top golf.
Topgolf said it will be offering free training sessions and exhibitions for Special Olympics athletes and Unified Sports participants as early as May.
“I’ve been with Topgolf for 14 years and this partnership will be one of the things I’m most proud of,” said Tiffany Brush, Director of Charitable Initiatives at Topgolf. “Topgolf is changing the traditional definition of ‘golfer’ and to see that Special Olympics athletes are so passionate about topgolf is a clear example of how we are making the game more inclusive and open to all.”
Photo credit: Topgolf
Special Olympics athlete Amy Bockerstette at Topgolf El Segundo during production of Topgolf’s Fall 2022 commercial shoot.
Beginning September 15, players visiting a Topgolf venue in the US and UK will have the opportunity to donate US$10,000 to Special Olympics as part of Topgolf’s “Season of Giving” which runs through October 31st. Raise dollars per venue, with a total goal of $500,000.
As part of the “Season of Giving,” Topgolf will host two “Giving Days” on October 26th and 27th, during which Special Olympics athletes will visit Topgolf venues to interact with players on those days.
“Partnering with Topgolf will help Special Olympics show the world how inclusive sports training and competition is a catalyst for inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities,” said Lou Lauria, director of sports and competitions at Special Olympics. “Special Olympics and Topgolf are completely aligned with a belief in the unlimited power of sport. What begins on the field extends into classrooms, workplaces and communities.”
In 2024, Topgolf will host the first Unified Fore Joy fundraising tournament in five U.S. venues, bringing together Special Olympics athletes, Unified partners, professional golfers, celebrities and supporters.
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