An enriching experience both on and off the course awaits six WA golfers who have qualified for the Special Olympics National Games in Melbourne from October 19-23.
Special Olympics Australia is part of a global movement improving inclusion through sports for people with intellectual disabilities and/or autism, the National Games to unite athletes from every corner of the country across 12 sports at the iconic Albert Park sporting precinct.
Promising to be a celebration of courage, connection and community for the 2,000 athletes, coaches and volunteers in attendance, the 2026 Special Olympics Australia National Games will shine a light on the power of inclusion through sport.
Four years ago, just two WA golfers represented Special Olympics Western Australia (SOWA) at the National Games. All six who have qualified this year have been participants in the Ready Steady Golf! program run by PGA Professional Mark Tibbles at The Vines Resort in Perth for a number of years.
The team of Lily Broadbridge, Ryan Belzunce, Jack Neuman, Zack Byala, Greg Carstens and Tom Morgan were selected following the 2025 SOWA State Games and were guests of honour at The Vines Resort last Sunday to create awareness of the National Games and raise funds to assist the families of each athlete.
Beyond the golf, Tibbles says the National Games represent an important milestone for not only the athletes, but their families and support network.
“For some of the team it will be their first interstate trip, their first experience of air travel, even their first trip away from home, so competing in the Games will provide a wonderful opportunity in many ways,” said Tibbles, the 2025 PGA National Coach of the Year – Game Development.
“With only two golfers representing SOWA at the 2022 National Games, we are thrilled that six Ready Steady Golfers will make up the golf team at the upcoming Games in Melbourne.”
To send off their six representatives, 44 physically, psychologically and intellectually challenged participants of all ages and abilities, along with family members and volunteers, teed it up at The Vines at the end of September.
A field of 44 golfers took part in The Vines’ latest All Abilities golf fundraising day
In addition to being a fundraising initiative, it provided an opportunity for those with additional needs to play in an inclusive event with a focus on participation and fun with prizes, novelties and participation awards.
Players took part in a nine-hole Unified Pairs (Foursomes) format for new players and a nine-hole Individual Stroke Play event for Team WA athletes and guests.
Seventy people attended the post-round presentations with special guests in attendance including Kendall King (SOWA State Coordinator), Vikki Bond (SOWA Sport Manager), Teresa Clarke (Director of Golf, Vines Golf & Country Club), Chris Chatterton (Variety The Children’s Charity) and PGA of Australia Member, Mostyn Farmer.
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