CRANSTON, R.I. (WPRI) — Special Olympics athletes in the Ocean State can now enhance their golf skills in a different environment, thanks to new partnership between the nonprofit organization and Topgolf Rhode Island.

The two have joined forces to create a Unified Sports Program, with Topgolf providing its facilities and equipment for practices and competitions.

“Lots of fun,” said athlete Sarah LaBreche of Woonsocket about the new experience. “Playing with my dad, seeing lots of my friends here, it’s great.”

Sarah LaBreche and her dad form one of 16 Unified teams that practice weekly at Topgolf. Organizers said the 12-week program will with a tournament on August 22.

“It’s at no cost to the athletes and their families,” said Ed Pacheco, president and CEO of Special Olympics Rhode Island. “For this program particularly, our athletes are partnered up with a unified partner, so an individual without intellectual disabilities, and they’re playing side by side.”

“It’s kind of tricky,” LaBreche said, describing how Topgolf differs from traditional golf, which she’s been playing for years. “Once you figure out what clubs you want to use and you figure out which target you want to aim for, you’ll pretty much get to that target.”

Pacheco said athletes will also be able to compete with other athletes at Topgolf locations across the country.

“Here at Special Olympics, it’s not about ability, it’s about exceptional experiences,” Pacheco said. “To take that connectivity on a national scale, when you’re an athlete, and you sit back and have a chance to talk with your family, and your friends and your peers about that, that’s something you’ll treasure not only in the immediate, but for years to come.”

This is the first local community collaboration for the Topgolf location in Cranston.

“For us, it’s just being part of the community. It’s what we do here,” said Chanda Burleson, director of operations for Topgolf Rhode Island. “This organization aligns with who we are. Just to see the smiles on their faces, the entertainment it brings to them, that’s what we do every day.”

Burleson said they’re working to make Topgolf an officially-sanctioned Special Olympics sport eventually.

“There’s nothing better than coming out, spending time with your daughter, fellow athletes, fellow partners,” said Rick LaBreche. “It’s just so rewarding.”

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