Topgolf to host first ever Special Olympic golf event in RGV

PHARR, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Topgolf in Pharr is one of 40 locations across the country that is hosting the first-ever golf competition for the Special Olympics.

Special Olympians from Brownsville to Laredo will compete in the Unified Fore Joy Pro-Am on Spet. 27.

Golf will now be added to the 30 other sports that are already a part of the Special Olympic competitions held throughout the year.

"Our region will have 25 teams competing in this worldwide event," said Lauro Garza, associate executive director of Special Olympics Texas South Region. "Special Olympics is part of a wider effort to engage special needs children, such as having extracurricular activities for them in schools. It`s all about creating inclusive spaces where these children feel welcome."

On Aug. 1, the Unified Fore Joy Pro-Am was announced at a kickoff event at Rio Bank in McAllen.

Rio Bank CEO Ford Sasser shared his personal connection to Special Olympics, stating his daughter has competed in them for years.

"We have a trophy case at home filled with trophies and medals and ribbons because my daughter has competed in Special Olympics for years," Sasser said. "I believe in the mission of Special Olympics. It's a very special thing and I applaud you all for being here."

Sponsorships for the Unified Fore Joy Pro-Am are available from $50 to $2,500. To find out more, visit www.SOTX.org, or contact Shelby Everson by email at sevenson@sotx.org.