Golf is not Special Olympian Nicklaus Burgess's favourite sport.
“It’s too slow,” said the 14-year-old, who was at the 14th annual Jim Linn Golf Tournament. He said he prefers to take part in basketball, baseball, soccer, and floor hockey — faster-paced sports.
That didn't stop Burgess from helping out at the tournament by selling 50/50 tickets to golfers.
“It feels good,” he said. “It’s for a good cause and you get to meet new people. It helps you get out of your comfort zone.”
Last year, the event raised a net amount of $27,000 and organizers hope to equal that tally again this year, said Doug Hamilton, tournament committee member.
“We also have support from the Moose Lodge,” he said. “They help us out with fundraisers by giving us their venue.”
The money pays for athletes’ travel, equipment, rentals and meals, said Cathy O’Connor, community coordinator of the local Special Olympics organization.
A total of 124 golfers, including athletes, participated in the event held at Bonaire Golf in Coldwater.
The event was started 14 years ago by Jim Linn, who was coaching his son’s Special Olympics team.
“I saw that they had no uniforms, and their equipment was old and unsafe,” said the Orillia resident.
More than two decades later, he said there are now 113 athletes who benefit from the money that comes in. More than two dozen of those represent the Sunshine City at provincial, national and international levels.
“With these athletes, I see them smiling, and I know I’ve done my job,” said Linn.