Junior Disabled British Open
Entries for the inaugural Junior Disabled British Open are now being accepted – with interest already having been expressed from as far away as North America.
The new event is the culmination of a year’s lobbying by a 16-year-old, from Ascot, in Berkshire, who was so enthused with last year’s Disabled British Open golf championship that he immediately contacted organisers to enquire why there wasn’t a junior event.
Richard Warren, a 28-handicapper, has not allowed cerebral palsy to diminish his passion for the sport and he hopes the launch of this new event will help large numbers of disabled youngsters fulfil their golfing potential.
He said: “What became apparent to me over a number of years was that there were seemingly very few junior disabled golfers, either male or female. And that motivated me to explore opportunities to bring young disabled golfers together so they can play and be inspired by their peer group. 
“While taking part in various events I have met with some high-profile golfers, including Ian Poulter and Colin Montgomerie, who have expressed a keen interest in my endeavours. With the possibility of golf entering the Paralympics in the future I feel it is the right time to introduce disabled junior golf into the public domain and to encourage more disabled young people to enjoy the sport.
“Through the development of the first Junior Disabled British Open, I hope to inspire and encourage other young disabled juniors to pursue their passion and realise their potential. And I hope they will join me in this year’s first competition.”
The event, for disabled youngsters aged between 12 and 18, will run alongside the third annual Disabled British Open at East Sussex National Golf Resort & Spa, from August 20-21 – the largest and most inclusive tournament in the country for disabled golfers.
The senior event has received Government backing from both the Secretary of State for Culture, Media & Sport, Jeremy Hunt MP, and the Minister for Disabled People, Maria Miller MP, who praised it for its inclusivity and legacy.
Hunt said: “The Disabled British Open golf championship is a fantastic example of how Britain can stage a world-class event for disabled athletes competing at the highest level. As a nation we should be very proud of the awareness this event has created, and the legacy of opportunities within sport for disabled people."
And his parliamentary colleague added: “To hear that the Disabled British Open golf championships has encouraged disabled people to start playing golf for the first time is a wonderful achievement – and testament to the spirit of the competitors and will of the organisers.”
For further information or to enter contact championship organiser Andy Barwell on 07961 315520 or visit www.disabledbritishopen.org
Added on: 17/06/11. Views: 334
Get Active offers news and articles from third party providers unless otherwise stated. We do not endorse the views expressed or content and make it available to you only as a service. All news items and articles are copyright of the authors and original publications.
