Special Olympics North America Golf Championship Held at Seaview Golf Club

Pictured: Team New Jersey at the 22nd Special Olympics North America Golf Championship, Photo by Special Olympics North America 2023

GALLOWAY, N.J. - The 22nd Special Olympics North America Golf Championship is being held this week at Seaview Golf Club where over 200 athletes are coming together to compete on the esteemed golf course and its facilities.  

North America has over half a million athletes participating in all 32 sports offered by Special Olympics. It is home to athletes from Canada, the Caribbean and the United States. Special Olympics is dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities to become physically fit, productive and respected members of society through sports training and competition.  

Over the course of three days, athletes across five skill levels will compete in the championship at Seaview, which is made up of 19 North American Special Olympics Programs and one hailing from Ontario. 

Contested at Seaview, home of the LPGA ShopRite Classic, the players and partners have the opportunity to compete at a first-class facility.  

“We're on a tremendous golf course. It’s testing the athletes and the teams," said Craig Pippert, Director, Sport Development at Special Olympics North America. “Yesterday was a bit of a struggle with it being the first day, but we're seeing the scores come in today and they're a bit better than what we saw yesterday.” 

For Luke Conticchio, a member of the New Jersey team, has been playing golf for over 15 years and has had an enjoyable week competing so far.  

"The highlight for me this week is to be on Team New Jersey and to represent New Jersey because I like to be on the best team."

His father, Joe is his unified partner, competing in the Level 2 Alternate Shot Team Play 9 category together. Despite their scores not being as low as desired, the two are determined to finish on a strong note. 

“Even though we're kind of behind on the plane - we have a couple of high scores, but we're still going for it tomorrow,” Joe explained. “It's exciting and he's (Luke) excited. For us to spend three days together, it’s different, but I’m happy about that.” 

With the help of multiple partners like the National Alliance for Accessible Golf, the PGA Tour, the New Jersey Golf Foundation, ShopRite, Coca-Cola, Special Olympics, and host club Seaview, the event has been a resounding success.  

The level divisions allow players to achieve success and enjoy the game to its fullest. While some competitors are vying on just the practice facilities, there are others that are playing 9 holes and some playing 18.  

“We want to be an opportunity for the athletes and teams to be successful,” Pippert explained. “Maybe an athlete is not really in a position to compete in level four or five this year, maybe a year or two down the road they would be, so we ask for (Special Olympics) programs to help us with that guidance to put the athletes and the teams in a position to be success.” 

Players earn their way into the championship through a combination of qualifying, nominations and a lottery. For Joe and Luke Conticchio, the news that they were headed to the championship was invigorating.  

"When the opportunity came up and we were picked, I think I was more excited than he was,” Joe laughed. “We’ve been playing for a good 15-20 years, and this is something that is probably going to be the first time in his life that he gets to this level of national championship.” 

While there are various skill levels competing at Seaview, there is without a doubt remarkable golf being played at Seaview.  

“For folks that may not know a lot about Special Olympics or a lot about golf and may have an impression or an opinion that persons with an intellectual disability cannot compete in golf - let them show you what they can do,” expressed Pippert. “I think people will be impressed with the way that the athletes, the unified partners can showcase. If people have a preconceived notion or an impression, don't necessarily dwell on that or take that to heart so our athletes and partners have a chance to really show you what they can do.” 

Spectating for the championship is free and encouraged. The final round concludes on Thursday, October 5 with awards immediately following play.  

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