Inclusivity
MAGGIE VALLEY – SPECIAL OLYMPICS NORTH CAROLINA (NC) GOLF TOUR
Q&A with Adam Ronniger, PGA, Head Golf Professional, Maggie Valley Club & Resort, Maggie Valley, NC
Q: Please explain a little bit about this event and how it came to your facility?
The Special Olympics North Carolina (NC) Golf Tour started in the spring of 2022. Maggie Valley was approached by Special Olympics NC staff inquiring to host a tournament at the facility. Our General Manager, Steve Wright agreed, and Maggie Valley became one of four Golf Tour stops on the 2022 Special Olympics NC Golf Tour. The Golf Tour has grown, and Maggie Valley has remained a steadfast partner in providing a quality golf competition to the athletes of Special Olympics North Carolina.
Q: Why do you feel it is important for the facility to host events like these for accessibility?
These athletes have a love of the game that is infectious. The smiles on their faces when they hit that first tee shot is something that is as touching as anything you will ever see on a golf course. When the facility hosts an event such as this, we are giving them an opportunity to compete and play in a tournament setting. I think those opportunities are few and far between. I know first-hand that many of these athletes and their families travel great distances for the opportunity and if we can provide that setting, it is our privilege to do so.
Special Olympics provides year-round sport training and competitions in 20 Olympic-Type sports for children and adults with varied abilities. Golf is a major sport within the Special Olympics North Carolina movement with over 200 individuals training throughout the state. To be able to offer a quality competition opportunity on a first-class course such as Maggie Valley Golf Club is a tremendous opportunity for the athletes to showcase their unique abilities and skills. This Golf Tour stop provides these athletes, their parents or caregivers and their supporters the ability to compete in a sport they love and are dedicated to.
Q: What is a life lesson take away that you see from your team after they host an event like this?
The biggest lesson that I take away is that no matter what adversities we face in our lives, we just have to keep plugging along and hit that next shot. And always have a smile on your face!
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