The city’s Adaptive Recreation Program held it’s 29th annual
benefit golf tournament last Friday to support recreational
programs for disabled adults.
The city’s Adaptive Recreation program held it’s 29th annual benefit golf tournament to support recreational programs for disabled adults.
Although fewer teams played June 5 in the Special Friends Golf Tournament than in previous years, a visit from San Jose Sharks forward Jonathan Cheechoo and support from the Sharks and local businesses allowed the tournament to raise about $10,000 – more money this year than in any previous year – said Recreation Supervisor Sandra Sammut.
“We knew the economy was down … but we did pretty good with the silent auction,” she said.
The silent auction included San Jose Sharks paraphernalia, such as hockey sticks, pucks, and autographed jerseys and hats. In addition, the program also auctioned off a baseball signed by a Giants’ pitcher and Gilroy Gardens and Salinas Rodeo tickets.
Local businesses, golfers and volunteers came together to run the event.
“It’s a very giving day. It’s great to see everyone come together,” Sammut said.
About 250 people, including Adaptive Recreation Program participants attended the event. Program participants did not golf but enjoyed the BBQ and talking to Cheechoo.
“He was able to talk to them about everything from Sharks to Giants,” Sammut said.
One of the program participants was an avid Giants fan and wanted to know if Cheechoo watched Giants games, she said.
The tournament had 80 golfers this year and included a team of Sharks employees and Cheechoo, Sammut said.
After the event, one of the Adaptive Rec participants got up on the stage and thanked people for coming to the event.
The event raised money for recreational programs programs for handicapped adults – primarily people with autism and down syndrome. Funds from the tournament will be used to support special events, such as bowling trips and Halloween, Luau and Christmas parties. Funds also support a 30-person camping trip held in August.
“They just look forward to it all year. They just keep talking about it all year,” said Sammut.
Many camp participants live in group homes, so the camp is an opportunity to leave home with friends and to spend three days hiking and swimming outdoors.
The Adaptive Recreation Program offers Monday through Friday classes for participants. Contact the Community Services Department at 846-0464 for more information about donating to the Adaptive Recreation Program.
