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"I can't believe I own my own clubs," said Walter Timmons of
Four Oaks, NC as tears welled up in his eyes. The 25 year old had just
been presented with a new set from the general manager of Pine Hollow
Golf Course in Clayton, NC where he has been practicing for National Games
competition. Timmons' Unified golf partner, Randy Walker had chills running
up his spine witnessing the surprise presentation. Walker introduced Timmons
to the game three years ago and had loaned him an old, beat-up beginners
set clubs to use ever since.
"He just loves the sport," said Walker. "He has improved
so much and now I bet his game improves even more with this up-to-date
equipment."
On July 1, Timmons and Walker along with more than 100 other Special
Olympics Team North Carolina members will fly to Ames, Iowa for the first-ever
Special Olympics USA National Games. Timmons and Walker will partner in
the Unified golf -18 hole alternate shot competition. Unified sports pair
a Special Olympics athlete with an individual without intellectual disabilities
that is of equal skill level.
"Walter can out drive me occasionally," said Walker. "When
he strikes it soundly off the tee, he can drive the ball up the fairway
260 yards!"
Walker is as proud of Timmons as he is his own sons. And soon, literally
that will be true as Timmons is on schedule to be Walker's son in-law.
Walker and his wife Rose are parents to Special Olympics athlete Angie
Cuomo. Cuomo and Timmons met four years ago working at Ryan's Steakhouse
and their relationship blossomed. The engaged couple have shared a small
one bedroom apartment for the last couple of years and are saving money
to get married.
Both Timmons and Walker are very excited to travel to Iowa and represent
North Carolina at the National Games. Timmons is also focused on using
his new clubs to earn a medal!
"We are playing really well," said Timmons. "I think we're
gonna kick some butt out there! I still can't believe I own my own clubs!"
No matter how they play, this pair will make some life long memories
on the links. Click to read more profiles on Special
Olympics Team NC.
Nominate a person to be featured in "Spotlight On"
-Contact Leah Sundheim at 1-800-843-6276,
ext. 110.
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