Topgolf will be an official sanctioned Special Olympics event beginning in 2024.
Special Olympics athletes can compete individually or as a team with Special Olympics Unified Sports. This program brings together people with and those without intellectual disabilities to train and compete on the same team.
Geoff Cottrill, Topgolf’s Chief Brand Officer, said: “We are more responsible than ever for inviting everyone to the game of Golf. Our partnership with Special Olympics helps us unleash the power to play and spread joy to even more people.”
Starting Jan. 1, 2020, local organizing committees of any Special Olympics events around the globe – including Special Olympics USA Games or World Games – will be able include Topgolf in their medal events.
Special Olympics, founded in 1968, was created to combat discrimination against those with intellectual disabilities. The Special Olympics offers more than 30 Olympic sports, and over 100,000 games and competitions each year.
Tiffany Brush, Director of Charitable Initiatives at Topgolf, said: “I have been with Topgolf 14 years and this partnership is one of my proudest moments.” “Topgolf has changed the traditional definition for a golfer, and seeing Special Olympics athletes get so excited about Topgolf shows how we are making the game inclusive and open to all.”
Amy Bockerstette at Topgolf. (Photo: Courtesy Topgolf).
Not only that, but Topgolf will also offer free practice sessions to Special Olympics athletes and Unified Sports participants in May 2023. Topgolf is offering free practice sessions in May 2023 to Special Olympics athletes, Unified Sports athletes, and Unified Sports participants.
Topgolf will also hold a “season of giving” from September 15 to October 31 2023. This is a charitable initiative where Topgolf venues in the United States or United Kingdom allow players to donate to Special Olympics. Each venue aims to raise at least $10,000 with a total goal of over $500,000. Topgolf’s locations in the U.S., U.K. and Canada will also be hosting “Days of Giving”, from October 26-27.
Lou Lauria is the Chief of Sport and Competition for Special Olympics. She said, “A partnership will help Special Olympics show to the world that inclusive sport training and competitive sports are a catalyst for inclusion among people with intellectual disabilities.” “Special Olympics, Topgolf and the Unlimited Power of Sport are all aligned.” What begins on the field of play extends to classrooms, workplaces, and communities.”
Topgolf’s first Unified Fore Joy fundraiser will take place in 2024 at five of their U.S. locations. This event will bring together Special Olympics golfers, Unified partners and celebrities, as well as professional golfers.
Topgolf operates 87 locations worldwide, of which 78 are located in the United States. The nine other locations are located in Australia, Germany Mexico, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, U.K., and Scotland.
