The UAE Special Olympic golf team with Yas Links Administration and Emirates Golf Federation Officials

By Kent Gray
Golf is the game for life and Yas Links wants to ensure that becomes reality for members of the UAE Special Olympic (UAESO) golf team.

The Abu Dhabi Club has gifted the team complimentary golf membership for one year, giving the golfers of determination unlimited access to both the club’s Kyle Phillips-designed championship course, Par 3 Academy and driving range facilities.

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The six players were all medalists at the Special Olympics World Games (SOWG) golf tournament held at Yas Links in March, reports the Emirates Golf Federation.

More than 150 athletes competed in the tournament and were split into 5 divisions based on golfing ability. Level one athletes participated in skill challenges on both the driving range and the academy course including pitching over an obstacle, putting and chip shots, and iron/wood shots. Athletes in levels 2-5 competed in either 9 or 18 holes on the championship course. In the Level 2 competition, Special Olympics Athletes were accompanied by a unified partner.

Here are the eye-catching results of the UAE team:

Pieter Snyman: Gold (Level 1)
Ali bin Saif Al Sumaida: Silver (Level 1)
Saif Al Qubaisi: Bronze (Level 1)
Gabrielle Snowden: 5th place (Level 1)
Vincent Bayer: Silver (Level 2)
Omar Al Bastaki, Unified Partner – Silver (Level 2)

James Ibbetson, Director of Golf at Yas Links. said the club was dedicated to growing participation by making golf accessible to everyone regardless of age, gender, or ability. 

“The athletes showed so much hard work, dedication and passion in the lead up to the games, taking part in weekly coaching and practice sessions with Director of Instruction, Mathew Parker,” said Ibbetson.

“We, therefore, did not want this to just simply finish after the games, undoing all of their hard work. We would love to see all of the athletes continue to improve and develop so that the next time the games come around they can compete within a higher level.

“We are all so honoured to be a part of such an incredible event and we look forward to seeing the athletes grow in their golf journey with our ongoing support.”