麻豆社区

It was a proud moment for Special Olympics Yukon.

Two local golfers, J.S. Gallant and Tijana McCarthy, picked up bronze medals for

their performances at Chippewa Creek Golf and Country Club in Hamilton, Ont. last weekend.

The event marked the inaugural golf tournament held by Special Olympics Canada.

The tournament spanned two days, with more than 50 athletes completing nine holes per day. Golfers in attendance ranged widely in age and skill-set.

Gallant, 20, entered the tournament with a 66 handicap. Over the two days, he shot a 66 and a 65, to finish third in his division.

In her first traveling competition, 15-year-old McCarthy entered the tournament with a 74 handicap and shot an 81 and a 76 to also place third in her division.

Each golfer was matched up against golfers with similar handicap scores.

A highlight for the athletes was the one-on-one time spent with a variety of golf pros from PGA Canada, who offered advanced coaching sessions.

The two bronze medals were an impressive feat for the young Yukon athletes.

The feat was even more impressive for the fact that Special Olympics Yukon only draws from the City of Whitehorse, while provinces like Ontario and Quebec draw from much larger areas, explained Janine Peters.

Peters attended the tournament along with the two local athletes as the Chef de Mission, while Scott McCarthy, Tijana's father, attended as coach.

The Yukon team battled long travel times, leaving Whitehorse early Thursday morning and returning late Sunday night.

"It was a whirlwind trip,鈥� Peters admitted.

Locally, Special Olympics Yukon spends their summers practising golf Tuesdays at Mountain View Golf Club. On Sundays, they tee off at Meadow Lakes Golf and Country Club.