Greg Murdoch and his dad Mark, who helps out as a golf coach.
On the heels of another impressive Special Olympics accomplishment, Arnprior’s Greg Murdoch and his mom Vicki took time to sit down with myFM to talk about his recent medal win and just what the program has meant to him.
Greg represented Team Ontario at the North America Golf Championship in Wichita, Kansas last fall, coming away with a fourth-place medal from the three-day competition that featured 250 golfers from the U.S. and Canada.
It’s been about seven years since Greg started golfing, an activity he enjoys doing with his parents, who also help coach him.
In fact, when asked the secret to his success, he gives leadership a nod.
However, golf is just one of many sports that keep him busy.
It is one of his favourites, though, along with swimming, soccer and bocce.
His Special Olympics experience has taken him all over and he’s got plenty of “souvenirs” to chronicle his travels.
The local Special Olympics program has been running for 25 years and Vicki, who helped found it, said it fosters a sense of accomplishment, provides plenty of healthy activity and helps athletes and their families create lasting friendships.
Vicki says also that the Healthy Athletes program that is part of Special Olympics is a valuable resource for athletes.
With 11 sports being offered locally (curling was just added this year), the program is well rounded and offers a variety of choices.
And looking ahead to warmer weather, Greg’s calendar, which is already filling up, includes a trip to the Summer Games in Brantford, where he will compete in track.
(Written by Sherry Haaima)