Topgolf offers bays for free at locations around the country for Special Olympics athletes and Unified Partners to train. This partnership has opened up opportunities for athletes to use high-tech equipment to perfect their golf game.
Sam Nafzger was one of the athletes taking advantage of these amenities last week. Nafzger is from Nashville - Area 1, and has been a Special Olympics Tennessee athlete for around 15 years. He has played golf for two years but has also participated in bowling and basketball.
Nafzger likes that he “can participate in all kinds of sports” as an athlete for Special Olympics Tennessee. When asked what sport his favorite is he said, “Basketball, because I am the best at it.”
Not only is Sam an athlete, but he is also a greeter at Nashville Predators home games and has collaborative artwork displayed at the Frist Art Museum.
Warrick Mikaelian was also working on his swing at Topgolf last week. He has been an athlete with Special Olympics Tennessee for five years and is from Mt. Juliet in Wilson County - Area 27. This is his first year playing golf and is excited to learn a new sport. He also participates in bowling, basketball and bocce.
Mikaelian said his “favorite sport is basketball because I get to move around a lot.” He also said his “favorite part of being a Special Olympics athlete is being active.”
The Topgolf and Special Olympics partnership has created an encouraging environment for athletes to improve their golf skills and have friendly competitions with their fellow athletes.
