Paul brings back silver from Special Olympics event in Florida
Bermudian Paul Ray blew away almost all the competition at a golf Special Olympics event in Florida.
The 54-year-old, who has Down’s syndrome, received a silver medal for his efforts.
The condition is caused by a chromosomal disorder that results in mild to severe learning disabilities, and physical differences such as an extra fold of skin under the eyes.
Mr Ray has previously competed in Special Olympic events in horseback riding, but this was his first time taking part in the Professional Golfers Association (PGA) 12th annual Special Olympics Golf National Invitational Tournament.
The event was held at the PGA Golf Course in Port St Lucie.
“We were all pleasantly surprised at the size of the event and how many athletes there were from all across the United States for just one sport,” said Mr Ray’s sister, Donna Pink.
She and other family members and friends travelled to Florida with Mr Ray to watch him compete.
“Some States had up to a dozen athletes competing in all the different categories.”
Mr Ray took part in level four, an individual stroke nine-hole competition. He played against two or three different individuals each day. At the opening ceremonies he met PGA president Allen Wronowski who chatted to him for a long time about the upcoming Grand Slam at Port Royal Golf Course in Bermuda.
“He even gave us all hats for the Bermuda event,” said Ms Pink. “It was extremely hot but the Bermuda contingent followed the play each day sporting our Bermuda umbrellas for shade and waved our Bermuda flags. It was a great time for all of us to be there together to support him.”
The rules were very strict in accordance with the rules of golf and Special Olympics summer sports rules. Mr Ray played the Ryder course. He and the other competitors were required to walk the entire course.
His sister said he never once looked even slightly flustered by the heat or the competition most of his competition were in their 20s or 30s.
“He was as cool as a cucumber and took it all in stride and enjoyed every minute of it,” said Ms Pink. “He was very proud of how he played and all the players got so much encouragement from each other and the other caddies and coaches. It was heartwarming to see these athletes with many levels of disability just there for the pure love of the game.”
Mr Ray said of his silver medal: “I don’t mind being second because someone else gets a chance to win.”
He keeps the medal hanging in his room with others he got for horseback riding at the Special Olympics years ago. His family have plans to create a special area to display all his winnings over the years.
“All in all, the event far exceeded all of our expectations and was an extremely uplifting experience,” said Ms Pink. “This was an event that we hope Paul will be able to attend every year from here on in. Our brother-in-law, Scott Culver, [who served as Mr Ray’s caddie and coach] who lived in Houston, Texas, was also able to arrange for Paul to attend some of their competitions in Houston.”
