Brett Tassel says he wants to make his dad proud.
The 100 Mile House golfer is one 360 athletes set to represent British Columbia at the Special Olympics Canada 2014 Summer Games in Vancouver July 8-12.
Tassel, 27, took some time before a practice round at Marmot Ridge Golf Course on June 10 to talk about his upcoming trip and competition.
He thanks his parents, as well as local Special Olympics volunteers Keith Thiessen and Denise Barker. Tassel also mentions working on his short game – chipping and putting – ahead of the national event being held at the University of British Columbia Golf Club.
He's “still getting those nines and sevens” on his scorecard, and he's looking to shoot closer to par. He golfed the UBC course at a tournament last year and has been to two training camps there more recently. Being familiar with the course is a good thing, he adds.
Kristin Webster is the North & Central Interior community development manager for Special Olympics B.C. She was in 100 Mile House for the practice round last week.
The Canada Summer Games will be the first national Special Olympics event in B.C. since 1990, and the organization is excited about it, says Webster.
“[The athletes have] been training very hard at special training camps throughout the year, getting ready for the big show. We've been prepping a lot. We're excited to welcome everybody.”
The Games will feature 11 sports and is expected to attract some 1,700 athletes, coaches and mission staff from across the country, plus another 1000 volunteers.
Barker, the local Special Olympics program coordinator, says the fact 100 Mile House has even one athlete competing in Vancouver is huge.
“We're hoping for the best. The main thing is he has fun, because this could be an opportunity that never comes again.”
Tassel can qualify in Vancouver for the Special Olympics World Summer Games taking place in Los Angeles in July 2015.
Webster says a variety of factors go into which athletes move forward. Tassel needs to golf a great game, be a good sportsman and work hard with his coaches, she explains.
“I think he has a really great shot. I wish all the athletes travelling down the best. They have all been working so hard.”
Webster adds it's important people consider volunteering with Special Olympics groups in their communities.
“Athletes like Brett benefit from just a few hours of time. It's really easy to get involved and it's totally worth it.”
